The Louisville Metro Planning Commission recently reviewed and approved plans for a $45 million South Pointe Commons shopping center project, and the plans now require the approval of the Louisville Metro Council. The project expects to break ground on Bardstown Road just south of the Snyder Freeway in Fern Creek shortly after it receives approval from the Metro Council. It could be a bright spot in an otherwise tough Louisville commercial real estate market. Mike Brown, director of business development for Louisville-based Barrister Commercial Group LLC, was hopeful about the project’s chances for approval, saying, “I’m pretty confident it will be successful.” If approved, there will be 366,000 square feet of new commercial space built on the 43.5-acre site, which will include movie theaters, restaurants, at least one big-box retailer and other retailers. In addition to the estimated 1,000 construction jobs created by the project, the new shopping center will create an expected 560 permanent jobs and have a projected economic impact of $6.5 million annually. If approved by Louisville zoning boards and other agencies, ground would be broken on the project by early 2011, and barring any unforeseen obstacles, the first retailer would be able to open for business in late 2012 or early 2013. Initially, the project was slated to include 12 buildings and a total of 220,000 square feet. However, enthusiastic support from local and national retailers inspired the contractor to increase the size of the project. Unlike the Louisville residential real estate market, commercial real estate in Louisville has struggled over the last couple of years as the recession tightened lending standards and throttled consumer spending. However, Louisville’s tough commercial real estate climate has also created unique opportunities for businesses and investors. For the area’s best selection of Louisville commercial real estate and outstanding customer service, call Louisville properties today at 502.744.9504.