RealtyLink, the Greenville, South Carolina, company developing Main Street Oak Ridge at the former Oak Ridge Mall, has said demolition machinery would be at the site the week of July 18. Above, some machinery is pictured at the site on Monday, July 18, 2016. (Photo by John Huotari/Oak Ridge Today)
The city has released a few more details on the groundbreaking at Main Street Oak Ridge on Wednesday. The main details are the location and the names of some of the participants.
The groundbreaking is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, inside the fence on the JCPenney, Belk, and Cinemark Tinseltown side of the 300 block of East Main Street.
Those scheduled to participate are Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch, members of Oak Ridge City Council, Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson, Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce President Parker Hardy, and others who have played a significant role in project development.
The public is invited.
Others expected to participate in the ceremonious kickoff to demolition are city leaders, planners, local business representatives, and community members.
The demolition kickoff will also serve as the official groundbreaking for the project.
The Main Street Oak Ridge redevelopment could cost $75 million total, and it could include retailers, restaurants, residential units, and a hotel.
RealtyLink, the Greenville, South Carolina, company that is developing Main Street Oak Ridge, bought the 58-acre site on June 30, purchasing it for $6.3 million from Oak Ridge City Center LLC. The new owner is TN Oak Ridge Rutgers LLC, a company set up by RealtyLink.
Since the closing, crews have been preparing the property for demolition so RealtyLink can begin a multi-million dollar renovation.
Belk and JCPenney, which remain open and accessible, will be part of Main Street Oak Ridge. The existing enclosed space between them will be demolished.
New stores that have been announced as part of the 600,000-square-foot mixed-use redevelopment are Dick’s Sporting Goods, Electronic Express, Maurice’s, PetSmart, Rack Room, Rue 21, T.J. Maxx, and Ulta.
Construction of new stores that are expected to open in the spring of 2017 could start near Belk in October.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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