Carter's reason for the delay is that "the project has gottenbetter," according to Steve Cadranel, executive VP for Ben CarterProperties. Cadranel says the project has grown beyond initialexpectations, in terms of local and regional retailers andrestaurants, and the company needed more time to accommodate theinterested businesses. He says the number of big-box retailers mayincrease from 10 to 12.

Among the retailers and restaurant firms looking at ColumbusPark Crossing are Barnes & Noble, Bed, Bath & Beyond,Haverty's Furniture, Old Navy, Chili's Grill & Bar, MacaroniGrill and Olive Garden. None are currently in the Columbusmarket.

Carter got the go-ahead Sept. 26 when the Columbus Councilapproved the rezoning of 307.8 acres from residential to commercialuse. Columbus Park Crossing is one component in the planned400-acre mixed-use Columbus Park. Columbus is 200 miles south ofDowntown Atlanta.