Cookeville, September 25, 2025
News Summary
Construction has commenced on the new Willows Shopping Center in Cookeville, which is set to feature a Target store and create hundreds of jobs. The $60 million project aims to enhance the shopping experience in the area, with plans for additional retail and dining options. The center will also benefit from infrastructure improvements to support the growing community, with the opening anticipated in the fall of 2026.
Construction Begins for $60 Million Willows Shopping Center in Cookeville, Set to Open Fall 2026
Construction has officially kicked off for the much-anticipated Willows Shopping Center in Cookeville, with a groundbreaking ceremony held in April 2025. This exciting development is expected to add substantial value to the area, with a total projected investment of $60 million.
The Willows Shopping Center will be strategically located at 1100 S. Willow Ave, conveniently positioned near Cookeville’s Exit 286 off Interstate 40. This prime location is anticipated to draw in a significant number of customers, enhancing the shopping experience for local residents and visitors.
At the center of the shopping complex, a new Target store is currently under construction, with an estimated cost of $15 million. Apart from Target, the Willows Shopping Center plans to feature a sizable Home Depot and multiple restaurants, creating an all-inclusive shopping destination.
The Willows project is expected to generate between 350 to 400 jobs for the Cookeville area, addressing the local need for employment and contributing positively to the local economy. The construction of the Willows Shopping Center aligns with previous efforts by Cookeville and Putnam County, which approved a grant proposal late last year aimed at improving infrastructure in the South Willow Avenue-Green Gate Lane area.
Building Permits and Additional Developments
Last month, a total of 74 building permits were issued in Cookeville, with the new Target store topping the list. Other notable commercial projects include:
- A $1.3 million McDonald’s restaurant at 1201 N. Washington Ave.
- A $1,116,000 project for Neal Street LLC.
- A $30,000 project by Jonathan Norris at 611 Rich Froning Way.
- A $464,000 project by Slingshot Partners, LLC at 1696 W. Broad St.
- Two $248,000 projects by Ronald Slade Stroud at 1781 Browns Mill Road, Suites C and D.
Nine permits were also obtained for commercial remodels in August, including projects such as:
- A $169,450 project at Engrafted Word Church (5 W. Broad St.).
- A $10,000 project for Living Hope Church Ministries (1020 E. Spring St.).
- A $604,044 project for Cookeville Mall Partners at 400 Dubois Road.
- Additional notable remodels included a $1.2 million project for Hudson Property, LLC and a $399,000 project for the City of Cookeville.
In residential construction, 43 permits were issued with costs ranging from $140,146 to $981,864. This included:
- 26 permits for new single-family houses.
- 13 permits for single-family attached housing.
- Four permits for multi-family housing.
Alongside these permits, eight residential remodel projects were permitted, with costs between $6,000 and $125,000. Additionally, six demolition permits were issued across various locations in Cookeville, and one fence permit was issued at 4503 South Creek Road.
Conclusion
The Willows Shopping Center promises to be a vital addition to Cookeville’s commercial landscape, enhancing shopping options and creating jobs. The planned opening in Fall 2026 gives the community something to look forward to as construction progresses.
FAQ
What is the estimated cost of The Willows Shopping Center?
The Willows project is expected to be a $60 million investment.
When is The Willows Shopping Center expected to open?
The Willows Shopping Center is expected to open in Fall 2026.
How many jobs will be created by this project?
The development is projected to create between 350 to 400 jobs for the Cookeville area.
Where is the new Target store located?
The new Target store is under construction at 1100 S. Willow Ave.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | The Willows Shopping Center |
| Estimated Cost | $60 million |
| Target Store Cost | $15 million |
| Opening Date | Fall 2026 |
| Job Creation | 350 to 400 jobs |
| Location | 1100 S. Willow Ave, Cookeville |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Herald-Citizen: Target Tops August Building Permits
- Google Search: Target store Cookeville
- 3B Media News: Construction Begins on New Target and Home Depot in Cookeville
- Wikipedia: Target Corporation
- Herald-Citizen: Target, Home Depot Officially Coming to Cookeville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Home Improvement
- Herald-Citizen: Is Target Coming to Cookeville?
- Google News: Cookeville construction