Developer North American Properties of Cincinnati, OH won't disclose the construction/development cost or the average asking rent range of the 145-acre project. But Atlanta area brokers and construction industry estimators tell GlobeSt.com the entire build-out will probably come in at a development cost of $80 to $85 per sf or about $100 million.

A ground-breaking date for the second 395,000-sf phase hasn't been determined but pre-leasing activity has started. The first phase is being completed on a fast 10-month construction track, North American says.

Among retailers who have signed leases are Target, Lowe's Home Improvement Centers, Barnes & Noble, Linens 'N Things, BJs Wholesale Club, Pier 1 Imports, Staples, Marshalls and Cost Plus World Market. Area brokers tell GlobeSt.com on condition of anonymity that average asking rents are $20 to $30 per sf, plus a percentage of annual sales.

SunTrust Bank and Johnny Carino's have contracted to buy outparcels in the center's first phase, joining Red Lobster, Ruby Tuesday's, Chick Fil-A, Wendy's and Longhorn Steakhouse.

"They say, 'If you dream it, you can achieve it.' And that certainly has been the case with Camp Creek MarketPlace," says Stephen Lam, a North American partner. "We had a vision to build this shopping center where no one thought one could survive."

Lam says, "Through a truly unique partnership between the development team and the community, this project overcame many obstacles, changed industry perceptions and has become the cornerstone for south Fulton County's renaissance."

To help East Point city and state lawmakers approved a total $22.6 million in revenue bonds for new streets, bridges, sewers and utilities. East Point also set up a tax allocation district with tax revenue to pay for road, electrical, sewer and other infrastructure improvements needed at Camp Creek.