The new retail center is expected to serve the existing 600 homes completed within the 3,800-acre Riverwood Plantation, the remaining 1,400 homes planned for the site, along with residents of Evans and nearby Augusta. Publix will serve as anchor to the project, and will open its 45,600-square-foot space in fall of 2009. CVS has signed on for an 11,745-square-foot space. Crosland is also currently in negotiation with a bank and several restaurants, according to a release.

"Initially, customers will be attracted to the center because of the great location and the variety of conveniences that we will provide," said Tim Sittema, senior vice president of Crosland's retail team, in the release. "However, we build projects like Riverwood Town Center with the intention that customers will return due to the quality of their experience." The project's southern traditional architecture and pedestrian-friendly design are expected to create a traditional neighborhood center to enhance the community, he added.

Riverwood Town Center is Crosland's first retail development in Georgia. The company has a portfolio with assets valued at more than $2 billion. Partner Meybohm Commercial Properties is a division of Meybohm Realtors, a firm specializing in properties located in Augusta, North Augusta and Aiken.