South Cobb Drive Kroger Project Breaks Ground

Smiles were all around, albeit some braced against the sharp blowing wind, to mark the official groundbreaking of construction for The Crossing at Four Corners on Tuesday.

Tri-Land Properties, Inc. is redeveloping the project at the corner of South Cobb Dr. and Concord Rd. that will be anchored by a 96,000 square-foot Kroger, which will be the company’s largest store in the Atlanta market.

In addition, The Crossings at Four Corners will include the installation of a traffic light at the north property line of the project and South Cobb Dr., the renovation of 60,000 square feet of retail space and the development of eight outparcels available for lease or sale.

Building demolishing had previously begun, but Tuesday marked the ceremonial, shovel-in-hand photo-op launch of what representatives from the city, Tri-Land, and the Kroger Company expressed hope will be a long and prosperous relationship.

“We haven’t had a groundbreaking like this all week,’’ joked Smyrna Mayor Bacon to the gathering of around 75 people. “But this is great. And the Kroger they’re going to put here is going to be great. It’s going to have a big halo effect for the area.’’

Smyrna Councilman Mike McNabb expressed similar sentiments and affirmed Smyrna’s commitment to representatives from Kroger and Tri-Land.

“We at the city will work diligently, to bring about the redevelopment of the other three corners, in such a way it will add outstanding value and compliment your value here,’’ McNabb said.

Tri-Land Executive Vice President Hugh Robinson, whose firm originally purchased the property in late 2006, praised Smyrna, saying city officials were “very helpful in making sure things went forward.’’

McNabb said there were times during the current economic downturn that the redevelopment negotiations dragged on. But he complimented Tri-Land and Kroger officials for possessing a “steadfast determination grounded in excellence’’ to see the project to its current groundbreaking stage.

The Kroger is replacing a 42,000 square foot, 40 year-old store located across the street. The new store will offer a fuel station, bakery and deli products, a floral department, a wine shop and drive-thru pharmacy.

After the shovel-in-hand pictures were snapped, those in attendance looked on as the former stand-alone bank building on the property was destroyed by heavy equipment machinery.

“We look at this as something to celebrate and we look forward to the grand re-opening later this year,’’ said Robinson, noting the project’s current mid-November 2011 target opening date.

For more information, visit www.crossingsatfourcorners.com.