PELL CITY — St. Clair County Economic Development Council held a groundbreaking ceremony for Pell City Square, a 147,000-square-foot multi-use lifestyle center, on Thursday, September 8, at 9 a.m. at the corner of Interstate 20 and U.S. 231, where the St. Clair County Hospital site was located. Pell City Square, the newest shopping center, was officially opened by them.
“The County Commission has a history of supporting our communities to create new tax revenues and jobs in St. Clair County,”Paul Manning, Chairman, St. Clair County Commission. “We believe this project will allow us to continue to grow St. Clair County’s economy while filling a retail need in the community.
Pell City Square was announced by Noon Development in Chattanooga. This announcement is the largest retail investment in St. Clair County, since 2005’s Springville Station.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents the culmination of several years of dedication and perseverance through unprecedented times. We are grateful for the City and County Leadership’s commitment to see their vision through and enable Noon Real Estate to deliver such a retail amenity to the community,”Kevin Jennings, President at Noon Real Estate.
Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx and Ross Dress For Less are the tenants in the new development.
“The City of Pell City is glad to see many years of efforts come to fruition in this project,”Mayor Bill Pruitt “We have had some ups and downs with the retail market and COVID issues that were outside of our control. Pell City Square will fill a retail need in our community and will attract shoppers from surrounding areas to come and experience what Pell City has to offer.”
The development at Interstate 20 is a partnership between the St. Clair County Commission and the City of Pell City. Noon Real Estate and the St. Clair Economic Development Council are also involved.
“The construction of the Pell City Square development is transformational for the City and its residents,”Brian Muenger, City Manager. “The addition these national retailers will provide our citizens with more options to shop locally than ever before.”
This property came under the ownership of the St. Clair County Commission and the City of Pell City in 2011 in order to enable the building of St. Vincent’s St. Clair. After years of careful planning and negotiation, it was agreed that the site’s highest and best use would be realized in the agreement made with Noon Real Estate. The project’s purpose is to provide St. Clair County with the missing retailers necessary to keep shoppers in the County who would otherwise go to other areas.
The City of Pell City also announced the dedication to William C. Ellison of the US 231 bridge that crosses Interstate 20. After 40 years of service in the community, Ellison is now the commercial development orchestrator behind South Park Center and Bankhead Marketplace, which are both anchored by WalMart and Publix. Ellison’s efforts are responsible for more than 40 percent of the City’s tax revenues.
“Being recognized by my peers, family, and friends today is the highest honor of my 40- year career,”William C. Ellison is President and CEO of I-20 Development. “This bridge symbolizes how past, current, and future administrations can all work together to create incredible projects for the community. I put my heart and soul into my work every day because I love Pell City.”
Reports from The Tribune staff
Photo courtesy Pell City Chamber Of Commerce Facebook Page
Original article: https://nightdress.cc/st-clair-officials-break-ground-on-new-retail-multi-use-development-in-pell-city/