A Georgia-based developer saw a vision of what an “ugly” piece of land in Phenix City could become.

After more than two years of work on the land, the developer is beginning to construct a new retail and commercial development in the area.

Located off Highway 280, near the Waffle House and ALDI, the real estate development firm Lindstrom & Company is investing $13.5 million to transform 11.6 acres into a development hosting a mix of national brands and essential services for the community.

Local city officials with the city manager’s office, economic development and Chamber of Commerce were instrumental in working with Lindstrom & Company in making this development happen, said Phenix City Councilman Steve Bailey.

Nothing happens without good relationships, Phenix City Mayor Eddie Lowe said during the groundbreaking ceremony.

“Relationships are not one sided,” he said. “Relationships are wholesome (that includes) everyone. And that’s what Scott (Lindstrom) has decided to do here in Phenix City.”

Filling a void for residents

Tenants of the development include:

• AT&T

• Jersey Mike’s Subs

• Peachtree Immediate Care

• Starbucks

• Chipotle

• Outback Steakhouse

• Valvoline

Bringing these businesses to Phenix City feels a void felt by local residents, said Shaun Culligan, Phenix City economic development manager.

No one knows Mallory Davis, Culligan said, but the Phenix City resident will now be able to get Starbucks without driving to Columbus. Culligan’s pastor can now get his Chipotle fix without having to leave town.

Another resident Culligan spoke with was happy to hear there will be a Jersey Mike’s, he said, and Culligan’s wife is now expecting more date nights at Outback.

“The hardest part of my job in some cases is knowing things that my friends and family don’t know that they’ve been asking for for years,” Culligan said. “And this is one of those developments that did that.”

Along with a multitude of service jobs, the development’s biggest economic benefit for Phenix City will be seen in a boost in sales tax revenue.

“The state of Alabama runs on sales tax,” Culligan said. “Property tax tends to be quite low, so sales tax is really the lifeblood of a community.”

This is true in Phenix City, he said, and the development is full of sales tax producing entities.

‘The ugliest property’

Building developments like this in Phenix City has been difficult in the past because of topography, Culligan said, and it’s one of the reasons some developers passed by on the city in the past.

After doing market research, the company realized Phenix City was a void for major retailers and restaurants in the Columbus metropolitan statistical area, said Scott Lindstrom, founder of Lindstrom & Company.

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The potential of the land off Highway 280 wasn’t immediately evident when Lindstrom’s broker first brought him to the location.

“Why are you bringing me to a hole?,” Lindstrom asked his broker.

But after looking more into the property, and acknowledging the potential challenges, Lindstrom determined developing the land was feasible.

Some of the major topography problems with the site included wetlands and unsuitable soil.

Working around heavy rains delayed the project as well. But now building construction will begin next month, Lindstrom said, and the developer expects to start opening businesses in late fall ahead of the holiday shopping season.

“(Lindstrom) took the ugliest property and made it look extremely well,” Lowe said during the ceremony.