NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & SportsNew 'Lifestyle Center' May Open In Clarksville

New 'Lifestyle Center' May Open In Clarksville

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Despite a downturn in the economy, one mid-state city continues to thrive. It's a fact that could bring a new mall to the growing area.

The project would be one of those new "lifestyle centers" that have replaced the traditional enclosed shopping mall. It's just another project that can be traced back to a big announcement last year.

For some it may be common construction noise, but in Clarksville, it's the sound of progress.

"I mean, it's a $2.5 billion investment," says James Chavez with the Clarksville Economic Development Council.

Chavez says the money Hemlock Semiconductor is pumping into Clarksville to build a new plant will put a lot of people to work.

"That investment is going to create 500 to 1000 jobs in the first couple of years," he says.

The people who will eventually work at the site will have good paying jobs, averaging $70,000 a year.

"It means a lot," says Clarksville Mayor Johnny Piper.

Mayor Piper knows Hemlock cold hold one of the keys to future retail development in the city.

"We've had people that are interested in coming to Clarksville and looking at an opportunity for a lifestyle center," he says.

Despite the slow economy, developers are looking to build the lifestyle center on the south side of Clarksville, near the retail area off Interstate 24 on exit 11. 

Clarksville's sales tax revenue has actually increased by two percent during the recession. Most cities have seen a decline because people just aren't spending as much.

"We're very pleased we have someone, we feel pretty good about, that has made a commitment to make a significant investment if we're able to work the details out," says Piper.

The lifestyle center would be similar to the Indian Lakes project in Hendersonville. A smaller phase would open at first, with room for additional phases as the economy improves.

"We've grown so fast our census numbers don't even reflect the growth that we've had accurately," says Chavez.

With Hemlock moving in, everyone - including retail developers - are banking on those population numbers to get even bigger.

Clarksville's current main retail hub is off the interstate at exit 4, near Governor's Square Mall and the big box stores. 

Chavez says the exit 11 area has long been a target for retail growth and feels there are plenty of people to support both areas.

The mayor says it will be at least two months before he knows if the lifestyle center will actually become a reality.