The retail project's first phase will be anchored by a 63,000-sf Kroger store and supplemented by an additional 40,000 sf of retail space for other stores. Seven pad sites for freestanding retailers or restaurants will be sold on the perimeter of the project, which has been named Fort Bend Market.

The Jacksonville, Florida-based realty firm, says plans will be announced at a later date for future development of the center's phase two. Regency has 222 shopping centers around the nation. The firm will construct the project at the corner of Texas 6 and Bissonnet St.

Fort Bend County is one of the fastest-growing areas in the Houston region, with new home construction particularly has been strong. A number of retailers, such as Wal-Mart, Albertsons and Best Buy, have opened stores there to stake a claim to some of the growth. The Regency project is located within 10 miles of several large master- planned communities, including New Territory and Pecan Grove Plantation.