An aerial image of the 50-acre plot at the intersection of i-59 and Alabama 174. Photo courtesy of William Drinkard. 

Legacy Springs secures four eateries, developer announces

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According to the site developer, four restaurants recently signed contracts to locate in Odenville’s Legacy Springs.

During the regular meeting of the Odenville Area Business Association (OABA) on Sept. 14, William H. Drinkard, a former state senator and current Legacy Springs project lead, told the audience that the developers now had commitments from four sit-down eateries they had been pursuing.

Without revealing too much about the new establishments, Drinkard told OABA members that some restaurants would have carryout or drive-through options, and some would be applying for liquor licenses.

Legacy Springs is a 50-acre development at the border between Odenville and Springville near the intersection of Alabama Highway 174 and I-59 (Exit 154). It will be anchored by the grocery store Foodland Plus, which held a groundbreaking at the site last year.

Blueprints of the store show a 44,000-square-foot building that includes a pharmacy, deli and bakery. The floor space compares to a mid-size Publix Supermarket, which according to publix.com run between 28,000-61,000 square feet.

Mitchell Grocery Corp., which owns Food Land Plus, purchased the land and will own the predicted $4 million building it operates from at the site. The store is expected to employ approximately 100 people.

Drinkard said the store is expected to open to the public during the first quarter of next year. Restaurants surrounding the store will be leased, and could open sooner depending on construction schedules.

Drinkard said ongoing negotiations could also lead to more restaurants signing contracts and moving into the center, and there have been discussions with several retail stores about possibly opening in the center as well.

Drinkard said Odenville was the perfect place for the new development.

“This area is fast-growing and has a great location, it is a great location for a new development like this,” he said, crediting Mayor Rodney “Buck” Christian and the Odenville City Council for its support.

Work began recently on drainage and utilities for Foodland Plus, Drinkard said. The property is currently being excavated and brought to grade before construction begins.