HOME DEPOT AND TARGET COMING TO COOKEVILLE
From Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter:
It’s finally official!! Home Depot and Target have purchased property in the new Willows Shopping Center at I-40 and Willow Ave. We have been working on this project for years and it is finally coming to fruition. Site work will begin immediately with plans to open the new shopping center in Fall of 2026. There are also several out parcels in the center which will have some new restaurants that we will be announcing soon. During my term as county mayor, these two retailers have been, by far, the most requested by our citizens. From day one, my goal has been to offer as many retail options here locally as possible, with large and small businesses both being important. It’s a win-win scenario when we are able to give so many of our citizens what they want while also keeping more of our sales tax dollars in our home county. Special thanks to CHM LLC for bringing the center to Cookeville.
You can read the full press release below:
COOKEVILLE, TN – March 18, 2024 – CHM, LLC, the City of Cookeville, and Putnam County are pleased to announce CHM’s official land purchase for The Willows, a new multi-retail development coming to Cookeville. This exciting project will be located at 1100 South Willow Avenue, at the southeast corner of South Willow Avenue and Interstate 40.
CHM will begin site work immediately, with plans to open the Willows to the public in Fall 2026. This new retail development will bring significant economic growth to Cookeville and offer residents and visitors an expanded selection of shopping options.
The Willows will feature two major anchor tenants, Target and Home Depot. These national retail leaders have already secured locations in the development. In addition to these big-box retailers, The Willows will include an exciting variety of new shopping and dining establishments.
“We have been working on bringing these two retail giants to Putnam County for several years, and it’s nice to finally see our efforts come to fruition. During my term as county mayor, these two retailers have been, by far, the most requested by our citizens. From day one, my goal has been to offer as many retail options here locally as possible, with large and small businesses both being important. It’s a win-win scenario when we are able to give so many of our citizens what they want while also keeping more of our sales tax dollars in our home county.” – Randy Porter, Putnam County Mayor
“The economic impact this will have on our area is unprecedented, and it reflects the strength of our local economy. This will bring about opportunities our region has never had. With a development like this, Cookeville will be able to provide a space for businesses that our community has requested for years. It is so exciting to be a part of the partnership in making Cookeville a place where businesses, big and small, can call home.” – Laurin Wheaton, City of Cookeville Mayor
“It is gratifying to see this long anticipated development become a reality. We are most appreciative of Mike McGuffin and CHM’s commitment to Cookeville. The efforts of the City Council, the County Mayor and County Commission, our City Departments, and in particular Melinda Keiffer, our former Economic Development Coordinator, and Jon Ward, our Director of Community Development, were vital in making this retail project happen. The economic impact of the Willows for the City of Cookeville will be substantial.” – James Mills, Cookeville City Manager
“The Willows will be a game-changer for our community, transforming an empty space into a thriving hub for businesses and shoppers alike. This development ensures that money once spent outside our community is reinvested right here at home, benefiting local businesses, workers, and families for many years to come.” – Amy New, Cookeville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO
“We are excited to work with the City of Cookeville and Putnam County to develop The Willows Shopping Center and are pleased to bring two great national retailers, Target and Home Depot, to the region. Projects like The Willows take tremendous effort and commitment. This retail project was only possible because of the incredible leadership, hard work and dedication demonstrated at the city and county levels. CHM is pleased to be associated with this development, and we look forward to seeing this site being transformed and vibrant with activity.” -Mike McGuffin, CHM, LLC Principal
