The center anchors the 600,000-sf Orlando Millennia Plaza,across the street from the half-completed Mall at Millenia, a 1.3million-sf, $250 million shopping emporium being jointly developedby Taubman Centers Inc. and Forbes Co. of Bloomfield Hills, MI.Expected opening is fall 2002.

Local Home Depot officials couldn't be reached at GlobeSt.com'spublication deadline but area retail industry consultants say theretailer is betting Expo Design Center will be drawing heavily fromMall at Millenia customers. The mall's anchors are Bloomingdale's,Macy's and Neiman Marcus.

Consultants also tell GlobeSt.com Home Depot is taking acalculated risk in opening Expo Design Center at a crucial economicperiod. However, the company has previously stated its risk isminimized because many homeowners are curtailing travel plans andspending more time remodeling their properties.