NEWNAN, GA-In the largest distribution center development deal this year, Phoenix-based PetSmart Inc. has selected Atlanta-based Seefried Properties to build an 877,500-sf distribution center at Creekside Distribution Center here in Coweta County.

Seefried officials didn't disclose the development cost of the project in a prepared statement distributed today. However, area construction sources familiar with PetSmart's requirements, and who have erected similar properties for other retailers, tell GlobeSt.com Seefried could probably complete the build-to-suit for about $45 to $50 per sf, or an estimated total $40 million.

"If it was a high-tech type of facility, the hard construction cost could easily go to $75 or $80 per sf," a Coweta County general contractor not associated with the project tells GlobeSt.com. The distribution center is planned on Walt Sanders Memorial Drive, about 20 miles southwest of Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport. Occupancy is tentatively scheduled for April 2007.

The deal culminates two years of site-searching by the Arizona retailer who currently operates out of a 200,000-sf warehouse near Creekside Distribution Center. The 877,500-sf property can be expanded to 1.1 million sf to accommodate PetSmart's future growth, Seefried officials say.

Brokers Greg Herren and Doug Smith represented Seefried. Wit Truitt and Chip Watson of Trammell Crow Co. partnered with Eric Termansen of Western Retail Advisors in negotiating for PetSmart.