Park Village shopping center taking shape in Southlake

Even with construction crews and earth movers around, business has been good at the new REI, the first store to open at the expansive new Park Village, a manager said.

The big shopping venue at Southlake Boulevard and Carroll Avenue is expected to be finished in May, but stores are already opening one by one. The next big opening will be The Fresh Market, a 25,000-square-foot grocery, on Jan. 14.

Dia Hodnett said REI’s program in which members pay $20 and get an annual refund, helped customers find the store despite the construction.

“There are about 15,000 REI members living in the area and that’s enough of a familiar following to let people know we’re out here,” she said.

The outdoor sports giant, which sits on Park Village’s outer rim near The Fresh Market, drew a line of 500 people when it opened in November, she said, adding that the parking lot is power-washed daily so that customers won’t pick up nails in tires.

Peter Jacobsen, vice president at Park Village’s development company Woodmont, said construction crews recently fenced in the current work to keep debris out of the open drives and parking spaces.

The Fresh Market’s grand opening will include chef demonstrations and drawings, and the store’s first 1,000 customers will get a shopping tote with a coffee sample. The grocer’s website describes cozy sampling areas with classical music playing, support of local farmers, and fresh meats and produce.

Drewry Sackett, public relations and community relations manager for The Fresh Market said the store sells “high-quality, distinctive foods.”

The Fresh Market is one of several market concept grocery stores in Northeast Tarrant County: Central Market just down the street; Market Street and Whole Foods Market in Colleyville; and Trader Joe’s expected to open Feb. 20 at Southlake Town Square across the street.

Cosmetic retailer Beauty Brands is also open in Park Village now, and craft store Michael’s has its sign up but remains bare inside

The shopping village will have large retailers surrounding pedestrian areas among restaurants and boutiques. Jacobsen said most stores should be open by May with more to come in summer and fall. Businesses that have already signed on include Luke’s Locker, Potbelly, RA Sushi, Gloria’s restaurant, The Lash Lounge, Gigi’s Cupcakes and others.

“But the project is going to be 100-percent open and operating by May,” Jacobsen said.

Also by May, the 3,600-square-foot fountain that can put on aquatic shows with lights and music will be operating.

“It's going to be quite an attraction,” Southlake Mayor John Terrell said. “It’s something different from anything else in Southlake, very complementary but something unique.”

Commercial growth is coming to other parts of Southlake as well, including the new PGA Tour Superstore at Southlake Boulevard and Kimball Avenue.

New stores coming to Southlake Town Square include clothing store Altar’d State, and Columbia Sportswear’s Performance Fishing Gear.

This story was originally published January 4, 2015 at 3:04 PM with the headline "Park Village shopping center taking shape in Southlake."