UPPER CUMBERLAND JOURNAL

Construction of The Willows Retail Development officially begins

4/25/25

Construction on The Willows at 1100 South Willow Avenue, the future home of Target and Home Depot in Cookeville, has begun after The City of Cookeville officials, Putnam County officials and CHM, LLC recently celebrated the official groundbreaking for the long-awaited project.

“The groundbreaking ceremony took place this morning at the future location of the retail center…,” according to a release by the City of Cookeville. “The new multi-retail development is now under construction…”

The shopping center is expected to open in Oct. 2026. Development Management Group, LLC (DMG) of Nashville and CHM, which develop single-tenant and build-to-suit retail properties and regional shopping centers throughout the Southeast, will oversee construction.

“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,” according to the release. “This new retail development will bring significant economic growth to Cookeville and offer residents and visitors an expanded selection of shopping options.”

Both Home Depot and Target have secured their locations at The Willows.

“In addition to these big-box giants, the development will bring an exciting variety of new shopping and dining establishments to the area,” according to the release.

Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton says the Willows’ economic impact will be great.

“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,” said Wheaton.

Will the Willows be a game-changer for the community? Cookeville Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Amy New believes so.

“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,” said New.

For more information, visit www.chmllc.com.

Photo via The City of Cookeville.