The new retail center is expected to serve the existing 600homes completed within the 3,800-acre Riverwood Plantation, theremaining 1,400 homes planned for the site, along with residents ofEvans and nearby Augusta. Publix will serve as anchor to theproject, and will open its 45,600-square-foot space in fall of2009. CVS has signed on for an 11,745-square-foot space. Croslandis also currently in negotiation with a bank and severalrestaurants, according to a release.

"Initially, customers will be attracted to the center because ofthe great location and the variety of conveniences that we willprovide," said Tim Sittema, senior vice president of Crosland'sretail team, in the release. "However, we build projects likeRiverwood Town Center with the intention that customers will returndue to the quality of their experience." The project's southerntraditional architecture and pedestrian-friendly design areexpected to create a traditional neighborhood center to enhance thecommunity, he added.

Riverwood Town Center is Crosland's first retail development inGeorgia. The company has a portfolio with assets valued at morethan $2 billion. Partner Meybohm Commercial Properties is adivision of Meybohm Realtors, a firm specializing in propertieslocated in Augusta, North Augusta and Aiken.