Murfreesboro Project Offers New Avenue to Growth
Published Jul 22, 2008
The unique architecture of The Avenue Murfreesboro glows at dusk. The 811,000-square-foot, open-air center is ushering in a new retail environment and will serve as a centerpiece for 400 acres of additional development.
All roads lead to great shopping in Murfreesboro, so it seems appropriate that the city’s newest retail development is called The Avenue.
But if you’re picturing an ordinary mall, think again.
The Avenue Murfreesboro is a trend-setting 811,000-square-foot open-air development that’s ushering in a new style of retail environment.
The first phase of the development, a partnership between Atlanta-based Cousins Properties Inc. and Charlotte-based Faison Enterprises Inc., opened in October 2007. The project is expected to reach completion in two additional phases over the next two years.
When finished, The Avenue is expected to bring about 110 new stores and restaurants and 1,500 jobs to the Murfreesboro area. It is the eighth and largest The Avenue project since the developers introduced the concept in 1998.
“We brought The Avenue concept to Murfreesboro at just the right time – the city was ready for this type of retail development,” says Angie Carter, general manager of The Avenue Murfreesboro. “It takes retail to another level.”
The development is another signal of the ascendance of Rutherford County as a community of choice in which to work and live.
Cousins’ research shows nearly 69,000 homes with average household income of $61,495 within a 10-mile radius of The Avenue.
Cousins Properties projects more than 80,000 homes will be within a 10-mile radius in just five more years.
A far cry from the acres of asphalt of traditional malls, The Avenue is based on a “Main Street” concept that is pedestrian friendly, functional and attractive, with features that include exterior sidewalks and landscaping.
Located off Interstate 24 and Medical Center Parkway in the Gateway office-retail-hotel development, The Avenue features popular retailers such as Best Buy and Barnes & Noble as well as elements such as the Camp Avenue Children’s Park that enhance the region’s quality of life.
Located next to Talbots, the Camp Avenue Children’s Park hosts free activities for kids the first Saturday of each month, including story time, door prizes sponsored by participating retailers, arts and crafts projects, contests and visits from surprise guests throughout the year.
“The Avenue offers a high-quality retail development and lifestyle center that’s the first of its kind in our community,” says Joseph Aydelott, planning director for the City of Murfreesboro.
The enhanced selection of retail and dining opportunities the center brings will be a significant generator of sales tax revenue. That will be a plus for local governments and school systems, says Aydelott. “It’s a great thing for our community,” he says.
More than 3,000 parking spaces are spread throughout the center, giving shoppers easy access to stores and the manner in which they access them.
“It’s designed for discriminating, time-constrained shoppers,” Carter says. “You can park right in front of your intended store or walk around and enjoy the sights.”
Phases two and three are already under way at The Avenue. They include furniture retailer Havertys and Old Navy as well as a suite of shops to be built between David’s Bridal and crafts supplier Michaels.
The development also has 30,000 square feet of office space available for lease that anticipates service providers such as physician and dental practices that want to be aligned with The Avenue.
The Avenue Murfreesboro, says Carter, could eventually be home to hotel development as well, although there aren’t solid plans for such additions yet.
“We’re constantly adding to the retail mix, and we have several stores opening up in spring and summer 2008,” Carter says. “We’re excited to be here.”
Story by Jessica Mozo
Photo by Jeff Adkins
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