The retail project's first phase will be anchored by a 63,000-sfKroger store and supplemented by an additional 40,000 sf of retailspace for other stores. Seven pad sites for freestanding retailersor restaurants will be sold on the perimeter of the project, whichhas been named Fort Bend Market.

The Jacksonville, Florida-based realty firm, says plans will beannounced at a later date for future development of the center'sphase two. Regency has 222 shopping centers around the nation. Thefirm will construct the project at the corner of Texas 6 andBissonnet St.

Fort Bend County is one of the fastest-growing areas in theHouston region, with new home construction particularly has beenstrong. A number of retailers, such as Wal-Mart, Albertsons andBest Buy, have opened stores there to stake a claim to some of thegrowth. The Regency project is located within 10 miles of severallarge master- planned communities, including New Territory andPecan Grove Plantation.