Site plan turned in for potential D’ville development
But property owner says deal not done
BY ZACH MITCHAM
JDH Capital, a Charlotte-based firm, has plans to open a grocery store at the intersection of Hwy. 29 and Hwy. 98. The company has provided Danielsville City Hall with a preliminary site plan of a commercial development, which could include up to 11 stores.
Meanwhile, the owner of the intersection property says the deal is far from done.
“I’ve not sold the property and not gotten any money,” said Rick Owenby, of Madison County Properties Inc., who owns 9.08 acres at the intersection.
Owenby said he has been in negotiations with a real estate firm representing JDH Capital. He said he would like to see a retail establishment at the intersection, adding that it would “change Madison County for the better.”
But Owenby said he doesn’t want to give people false hope, noting that a deal is not in place.
“The last thing we need is to get people’s hopes up,” he said.
Darren Tuitt, assistant development director of JDH Capital, recently confirmed that JDH intends to open a grocery store at the intersection, once the property purchase is finalized.
“We can’t say what (the grocery store) is just yet because the lease has not been fully executed,” said Tuitt. “They (the grocery store) want to be the ones to tell what’s coming.”
JDH is planning a shopping center of 54,908 square feet, which could include up to 11 stores, Tuitt said.
Tuitt said he expects construction on the shopping center to begin in early 2008.
“We hope to start construction some time in February,” he said. “And we’d like to see it open for next Christmas. But it might be best to say by spring of 09.”
Owenby said that a February starting date is unrealistic, even if a property sale is approved.
While a commercial development may or may not be in the works, existing businesses at the intersection are making changes.
Jamie Smith, owner of Madison County Florists, said he plans to move his business complex off Hwy. 29, where the old 4-H office was located, which also includes Sports and More and Madison Insurers.
“We’re excited about the move,” said Smith, who said he plans to open the business in the new location in mid January. Smith, who has owned the florist shop for five years, said the new space will be a little smaller than the current building, but “ a lot more modern” and more suitable for a florist operation.
Travis Williams of Williams Barbecue says that the barbecue stand has opened a new stand in Maysville at the old Strickland’s Barbecue location. He said Williams Barbecue intends to remain open in Danielsville, even if the stand must move from the Hwy. 29-Hwy. 98 intersection.
“We don’t have any plans yet,” said Williams, regarding where they might move. “But we do intend to stay in Danielsville.”
