CORPUS CHRISTI, TX-Dolphin Ventures LLC andEWB Development LLC have put its $60 millionOutlets at Corpus Christi Bay back on track fordevelopment with help from a just-announced partnership withLockard Cos. of Cedar Falls, OH. The more than350,000-square-foot retail center has a planned spring 2012groundbreaking on a 281,526-square-foot first phase – five yearsafter the project was first announced.

According to local media, San Antonio-based Dolphin Venturessigned an agreement with Nueces County in 2007 topurchase 49 acres at the intersection of U.S. 77 and U.S. 44, withthe idea of developing an outlet mall in this heavily trafficked,high tourist area. However, the economic crisis, combined withtightening lending restrictions, forced the developer to push backtimelines on both the land purchase and project development. Thedeveloper, at one point, was attempting to attract foreigninvestment in the project.

According to the outlet’s website, the land is in hand and thedevelopers ready to go. The planned first phase is scheduled for a2013 opening. Representatives from the development companies werenot immediately available for an interview.