Metro Atlanta-based Branch Properties and Merganser Enterprises, LLC are moving forward with the development of Publix-anchored shopping center Merganser Commons at Dogwood Estates, after the recent purchase of 11.04 acres of land in Milton, Fla. The future 66,921-square-foot shopping center is slated for completion in April 2022.
Fronting Dogwood Drive (SR-89), one of the primary roads connecting Milton with I-10, the Gulf Coast beaches and Alabama state border, the shopping center will include a 46,811-square-foot Publix, the first in the area. The development will also contain two additional buildings totaling 20,110 square feet of retail space and will offer a 1.33-acre outparcel, accommodating up to 7,500 square feet.
“Publix choosing to add a Milton location to their Pensacola area portfolio is a testament to the long-term viability of the site and surrounding area,” said Branch Properties CIO, Jesse Shannon. “Merganser Commons will fill a void in the area and serve as a vital asset for the growing population in Milton.”
Located within the larger Pensacola/Santa Rosa County area, the shopping center will cater to the rapidly growing population, which increased 14.5% between 2010 and 2020. Within a three-mile area, the population is currently 25,654 and is expected to increase an additional 10.8% over the next 5 years.
“The city of Milton, specifically City Manager Randy Jorgenson and other key staff members, have been instrumental throughout the zoning and pre-development phases of the future Merganser Commons development,” said Merganser Enterprises Principal Merg Hoffman. “We are appreciative of their ongoing support and look forward to working with our partners to deliver a vibrant retail component to Milton and the Dogwood Drive corridor.”
Santa Rosa County has become a popular tourist destination in recent years given its access to nearby white sand beaches, as well as protected wilderness areas for recreational activities like kayaking, camping and hiking. The Naval Air Station Whiting Field is also approximately four miles north of the property and serves as one of two primary pilot training facilities for the US Navy.
Merganser Commons marks the fifth Publix-anchored center in the pipeline for Branch, all of which have been announced since the onset of the pandemic. In addition to Merganser Commons, Branch is also overseeing the development of Perimeter Marketplace in Dunwoody, Ga.; Hugh Howell Marketplace in Tucker, Ga.; The Market at Hays Farm in Huntsville, Ala.; and Moncks Corner Marketplace in Moncks Corner, SC, all slated to open later this year.
In addition to Merganser Commons, Hoffman has also been involved in several Publix development deals across the Panhandle, in Navarre, Fort Walton and the heart of Destin, Florida.
Branch Properties and JLL’s Emily Miller are currently pre-leasing the retail space at Merganser Commons. For inquiries, contact Richard Wiles at rwiles@branchprop.com or 404-832-8924, or Emily Miller at emilyj.miller@am.jll.com or 251-694-5077.
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About Branch Properties
Founded in 1973 and based in Atlanta, Branch Properties, LLC is a private real estate investment firm primarily focused on the acquisition and development of high-quality, grocery anchored shopping centers located in the southeastern United States. Branch and its affiliated companies have acquired, developed and managed over $2.5 billion of commercial real estate, accounting for more than 12 million square feet of leasable space. Branch’s investment acumen, operating experience, market relationships and access to capital enable it to source and execute attractive risk-adjusted investment opportunities on behalf of its partners. To learn more about Branch, visit www.branchprop.com.
