With Old Navy's commitment for 19,000 sf and Haverty's for 30,400 sf, developers were able to begin construction on the second phase of the project, Faison Enterprises senior managing director Mike Cohn tells GlobeSt.com. The 660,000-sf first phase of the project opened in October and the 150,000-sf second phase is expected to open in the summer. "We needed commitments to move forward with construction of the second phase, which we were able to secure," Cohn says.

The Avenue Murfreesboro, which will eventually have more than 110 retailers and restaurants, is being developed by Faison and Cousin Properties, both based in Atlanta. Also announced recently for the project is that Linens 'N Things, Cost Plus World Market, Hollister and American Eagle Outfitters will open in the second quarter of 2008.

The project is one slated for a 400-acre site along Medical Center Parkway owned by C.M. "Bill" Gatton. Other projects planned for the area include retail, office, hotel, convention center and public spaces. Medical Center Parkway connects the new Manson Pike interchange on Interstate 24 with the Gateway project, which will include the new 300-bed Middle Tennessee Medical Center, along with medical and professional office space.