Hampton Cove strip mall space to be leasable soon

Buildings should be finished by end of year

A strip shopping center under construction beside homes in the Hampton Cove neighborhood could be available to tenants as early as May.

T.J. Lee, who owns the two acres where three retail/office buildings will be built, said the first building will be constructed nearest Hampton Cove Christian Academy, which Lee also owns. That structure will be partially occupied by the school when it's ready in May.

The second building should be finished in late summer, and Lee said the third building - which will be constructed near the Hampton Cove fire station - could be completed by the end of the year.

The school and development are on the north side of Old U.S. 431.

Lee said the property, called The Village at Hampton Cove, will have about 15,000 square feet of office and retail space. He envisions tenants such as doctors, insurance agents and boutiques.

"We can't say just yet who will be leasing space," Lee said.

Last January, Lee signed a deal with Guthrie's to locate on the property. However, some residents protested that the chicken-finger restaurant wasn't a good fit because it would've been too close to their homes. The Guthrie's owner then changed his mind.