There is little in the way of retail shopping in west Wetumpka, but that is changing.
The west of the Coosa River is home to historic buildings, farm land, schools and the new Wetumpka Fire Station. River Town Center on Highway 14 across from the Wetumpka Sports Complex will soon fill the void of retail development on the west side of town.
PHOTOS: Wetumpka breaks ground on River Town Center
“(U.S. Highway) 231 is where our development has mostly been over the years,” Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said. “This opens up a totally different area for us.”
Officials broke ground Friday on the first phase of the approximately 35-acre project. Five lots with streets and utilities will soon be prepared.
The work is done thanks in part to a $5 million line of credit the Wetumpka City Council approved in November. The monies will be repaid as businesses purchase lots.
“As lots are sold, the monies go towards the debt,” Wetumpka public works director Justin Barrett said. “Even the sales tax revenue from the development goes to the debt until it is paid off.”
The city already has three letters of intent from businesses serious about locating in the complex such as a food business, a coffee retailer and another retail operation. The letter of intent isn’t yet binding but city leaders said it's a good sign of a commitment to the project.
City of Wetumpka economic development director Lynn Weldon said the River Town Center is great for everyone in the west part of Wetumpka.
“A development on this side of the river will improve the quality of life,” Weldon said. “It’s a big deal.”
The site will also help serve tournaments at the sports complex as parents and athletes look for meals and supplies. The travel time to retail on U.S. Highway 231 in southern Wetumpka wouldn’t be as common for those on the west side of the river.
“It gives another option for potential businesses,” Weldon said. “They can’t all be on 231. This is the next part of time that needs to be developed.”
Twenty years ago Willis suggested the city purchase the 175 acres the Wetumpka Sports Complex is located on. It was about the time the Highway 14 bypass was installed. The complex has grown over the years and Willis has his eyes on the property for this development too.
“A group of people elevated this portion of property and brought it out of the flood area,” Willis said. “It is a major development for us. Having this property here on the bypass across from the sports complex. There will be businesses here that will compliment that sports complex.”
It’s the next step for Wetumpka as retail on U.S. Highway 231 is going strong and redevelopment of downtown is going well.
“I remember when we used to just dream about it,” Willis said. “We dreamed about downtown Wetumpka and its happening now. New restaurants are opening. These are first class restaurants choosing to come to Wetumpka. We think this will be a first class development.”
