Kohl’s coming to TigerTown

By Beverly Harvey

Published: February 27, 2008

The addition of another major retailer, along with other planned retail and service-oriented businesses, is expected to make TigerTown a round-the-clock destination for shopping, dining and
lodging.

TigerTown developer Newton Oldacre McDonald LLC announced Wednesday that Kohl’s will build a 68,500-square-foot store next to Dick’s Sporting Goods. Kohl’s is slated to open in December, sometime before Christmas.

The city of Opelika has been working with Kohl’s, headquartered in Wisconsin, for more than a year, according to Opelika Economic Development Director Al Cook.

“This is another jewel in the crown of TigerTown,” Cook said of the Kohl’s announcement. The Kohl’s store in TigerTown is expected to generate more than $500,000 in annual sales tax revenue, he said.

In June 2007, Tampa, Fla.,-based DeBartolo Development LLC announced a Kohl’s store would be built within the Shoppes at Capps Farm center on Gateway Drive located near TigerTown. City officials are not sure why those plans fell through.

With Wednesday’s announcement, Kohl’s will be part of the fourth phase of construction at TigerTown that began with the construction of Dick’s Sporting Goods, Cook said. Two weeks ago, Newton Oldacre McDonald announced a Zaxby’s Restaurant that is expected to open in April next to Logan’s Roadhouse.

On the other side of TigerTown, two hotels, Fairfield Inn and Marriott Courtyard, are planned for the area along Interstate Drive. The Fairfield Inn is currently under
construction.

In addition, there are two land parcels located between Dick’s Sporting Goods and the future location of Kohl’s that can accommodate up to two more stores, and more restaurants can be built on other vacant parcels at TigerTown, according to Newton Oldacre McDonald spokesperson Phil Martin.

By the time the fourth and final phase of TigerTown is completed, the 130-acre mixed-use development will serve as a “24-hour destination” for residents and visitors, Martin said. The center will also have 1 million square feet of commercial space, he said.