By Donna Thornton/News Editor
After three years of working on bringing the Publix-anchored development to Rainbow City, Mayor Terry John Calhoun finally can talk publicly about the project.
However, Calhoun said there was not much he could say, because a press release on the project went out to the media from developer Paradise Ventures without coming to Rainbow City Hall.
“I am proud that it’s been announced publicly,” Calhoun said. “I believe Publix will draw other businesses to the area.”
This news comes as Rainbow City anticipates the opening of the new Bojangles Restaurant on Rainbow Drive. Calhoun said he understands Bojangles will open in December.
Work is being done on a lot next to the Bojangles site. Calhoun said the owner of the property has told him the work is underway so the property can be sold.
“It’s just a spec site,” Calhoun said.
In addition to the 45600 square foot Publix Super Market, The Shoppes at Rainbow Landing will include 20,000 square feet of retail shop space and two outparcels, according to a press release from Paradise Ventures.
“Having grown up in the Gadsden area, I understand the people and the places that make Etowah County such a great area to live, work and play,” Andrew Loveman, CCIM of Southpace Properties Inc. in Birmingham, said. Loveman is handling leasing of the development.
“This site was selected for development of the shopping center and approved by Publix because it is located at the best intersection in the county in terms of regional accessibility and traffic patterns, and is complemented by the strong demographics and residential growth in the surrounding trade area,” Loveman said.
In addition to the Publix Super Market, there are two other retail leases signed at The Shoppes of Rainbow Landing, and several other prospects are under construction.
