News Release
For more information, contact:
Carl York
540 563.3691
KROGER TO BUILD SHOPPING CENTER
“Green” Project will Contribute to the Bonsack Community
ROANOKE, VA – (June 8, 2007) – Kroger will invest $22.4 million to develop a shopping center on US 460 East in the rapidly growing Bonsack section of Roanoke County.
The shopping center will include a Kroger store, small retail shops and restaurants totaling more than 106,000 square feet of space. The site includes four out-parcels that are for lease or for sale. The Kroger store will contain 84,000 square feet, the largest in the Roanoke Valley.
Kroger has purchased 22.8 acres from Fralin & Waldron, Inc. at Gateway Boulevard (US 460) and Challenger Avenue. Site preparation is scheduled to begin June 25 with construction slated to begin in the fall.
“The shopping center will make an outstanding impression because of its attractive landscaping,” said Pete Williams, President of Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic region. “We have set aside 35 percent of the site for trees and landscaping to develop a shopping area that will be a quality addition to the community.”
Kroger will install the latest environmental features in the store, including computer technology to conserve energy and skylights to utilize natural sunlight and reduce the use of electrical lighting. Two additional computers will regulate refrigeration, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
“With Kroger’s commitment to a “green” development, we believe the Bonsack community will be pleased with the center,” added Williams. “There will be a positive impact on the economy while the development has been planned with the least impact on the environment.”
Kroger will create approximately 125 new jobs at its store and additional jobs will be created by the other businesses at the center. The Kroger store alone is projected to generate $1.5 million in local and state tax revenue annually.
“We have been pleased with the relationship with the Roanoke County government in reaching this point,” Williams said. “This is a mutually-beneficial public private partnership.”
While most stores are leased, Kroger has been developing or purchasing more shopping centers in recent years. “We gain more control over the project,” Williams explained, “while reducing our costs, which allows us to remain competitive in the marketplace.”
Kroger has been investing in the Roanoke Valley since its first store opened in 1929. Currently, Kroger operates 12 stores in the Valley and employs more than 1,300 people in them.
In addition, Kroger employs 150 people in the Roanoke headquarters for the Mid-Atlantic Region, which operates 129 stores in Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio.
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