Publix eyes purchasing Landing Station in Lake Wylie

March 28--LAKE WYLIE -- Publix is looking to purchase Landing Station, formerly anchored by Bi-Lo, and other business owners in the plaza wait final details.

Publix spokeswoman Kim Reynolds didn't say when the purchase of the entire center will be complete.

?I can't confirm a close date at this time,? she said Thursday.

On March 21, businesses received letters detailing their leases. They were asked to sign so those terms could be used for a sale of the property at 158 Hwy. 274.

?Publix is buying the entire plaza,? said Linda Watkins, co-owner of Echo Consignment. ?Wheels are turning, which is a good thing.?

There is no indication in the letter whether Publix will hire a property manager or buy out the leases.

?At this point we still don't know anything,? Watkins said.

Reynolds said ?it's still a little too soon to confirm plans? as far as how existing businesses might be impacted by construction.

Publix announced in September it would open a store at the Lake Wylie site by late 2015. In October, a company spokesperson confirmed the Lake Wylie location would be a rebuild project and the former Bi-Lo on York Road in Steele Creek will be a renovation set to open sooner.

?We are building our (Lake Wylie) store on site and it is still slated to open late 2015,? Reynolds confirmed in February saying plans hadn't changed.

Rivercrest Realty Investors in Raleigh, N.C., is the management company for private investors who own the property. The company became the leasing agency for Lake Wylie Plaza, 4076 Charlotte Hwy., in the fall.

Businesses at the Landing Station say their leases run from three to 10 more years.

?We're just waiting to hear who their management company is and then we'll go from there,? said Scott Segars with Nationwide Insurance.

Other businesses in the center are Elite Taekwondo Academy, Verizon Wireless, Panda Hut, Domino's Pizza, Regal Cleaners, Echo consignment boutique, Great Clips and Aim Mail Center.

Publix opened its first Rock Hill store on March 26 on Cherry Road. The former Super Bi-Lo was renovated. Publix donated $500 to eight schools within a 2-mile radius of the store. That store and Lake Wylie location were among seven Bi-Lo stores Publix purchased in September 2013.

John Marks --803-831-8166

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