Signs of change|New strip mall well under way
Published 6:25 pm Monday, June 29, 2009
By By Lisa Tindell
News Editor
The sound of hammers, saws and other construction equipment fills the air on Douglas Avenue as the construction of a strip of shopping spaces continues.
The building, which is being done adjacent to the Walmart site, will create spaces for new and relocating businesses at the site.
Steve Yuhasz, director of community development for the city of Brewton said, the site will be able to accommodate up to eight businesses when complete, with most of the space already spoke for at the site.
In a two-space building nearest Douglas Avenue, one space has been claimed, Yuhasz said.
Yuhasz also said other construction is being planned in the general area surrounding the Walmart facility.
Dewayne King, compliance officer for the city of Brewton, said construction for site is falling slightly behind schedule.
King said original plans showed the buildings being ready for occupancy by September. “It doesn’t appear that they will be ready by September,” King said. “There is still a good bit to do.”
Construction on the site is being done by Termack Construction of Mobile, King said.
The strip of shopping space is just one of the construction projects currently under way in the area.
Across the street from Walmart, the Najor family is building a new restaurant, the Oaks Cafe. Yuhasz said he expects that restaurant to open in August. The company has already applied for a liquor license with the city.
Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union broke ground for a Brewton branch of their institution in March with completion expected before year’s end.
Construction of the Gulf Winds facility is being done by Level (5) Construction of Atlanta, King said.
Chris Rutledge, president of Gulf Winds, said the construction plans have moved ahead despite economic conditions.