McDonough retail center survives recession, continues to grow

Construction work is underway at the South Point retail development in McDonough despite interruptions from winter storms this winter. Rooms to Go is the next large retailer expected to open in the development. (Staff Photos: Johnny Jackson)

McDONOUGH The parking lots at the South Point retail development have been especially crowded this week. Local schools have been out for winter break and the weather has been unseasonably warm.

Shoppers throughout the Southern Crescent have flocked to South Point, which not only survived the recent recession but has managed to thrive despite the economic downturn, said developer Jim Baker, who began the project as president of Atlanta-based Baker & Lassiter Inc.

The economy is perking up, said Baker. Weve been through the toughest times.

His firm and partner retailers began transforming the property in June 2006, when construction began on the JCPenney and Khols anchor stores.

The retail center also comprises national brands such as ULTA Cosmetics, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Five Below, Hilton Garden Inn, T.J. Maxx, Toys R Us/Babies R Us, Hobby Lobby, Havertys Furniture, AT&T, Sleep Number, Party City Superstore and Vitamin Shoppe.

Construction is underway on a Rooms to Go store in the southwest corner of the development, which is about 80 percent complete through its first phase of construction.

Baker expects restaurants will follow. He said he believes there is a chance the center will add a well-regarded fast food restaurant that specializes in steak burgers and frozen custards in the coming months.

Were right now right around half a million square feet (in retail space), he said.

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McDonough retail center survives recession, continues to grow