CHM, LLC will begin site work immediately with a fall 2026 opening in mind
It’s finally official.
All rumors can subside. According to CHM, LLC (CHM), the City of Cookeville, Putnam County and Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter, Target and Home Depot are officially coming to Cookeville. The retail giants will set up shop at “The Willows,” the new multi-retail development at the corner of I-40 and Willow Avenue at 1100 South Willow Avenue.
Development Management Group, LLC (DMG) of Nashville and CHM, who develop single-tenant and build-to-suit retail properties and regional shopping centers throughout the Southeast, are overseeing the retail center’s 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 official release. “This new retail development will bring significant economic growth to Cookeville and offer residents and visitors an expanded selection of shopping options.”
Putnam County Mayor Randy Porter says the project has been in the works for years.
“Home Depot and Target have purchased property in the new Willows Shopping Center at I-40 and Willow Ave. We have been working on this project for years and it is finally coming to fruition. Site work will begin immediately with plans to open the new shopping center in Fall of 2026. There are also several out parcels in the center which will have some new restaurants that we will be announcing soon. During my term as county mayor, these two retailers have been, by far, the most requested by our citizens. From day one, my goal has been to offer as many retail options here locally as possible, with large and small businesses both being important. It’s a win-win scenario when we are able to give so many of our citizens what they want while also keeping more of our sales tax dollars in our home county. Special thanks to CHM LLC for bringing the center to Cookeville,” according to Porter.
Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton shared Porter’s sentiment as the long-rumored retail giant looks to set stakes in Cookeville.
“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.
CHM will begin site work immediately with a fall 2026 opening in mind.
“We are excited to work with the City of Cookeville and Putnam County to develop The Willows Shopping Center and are pleased to bring two great national retailers, Target and Home Depot, to the region. Projects like The Willows take tremendous effort and commitment. This retail project was only possible because of the incredible leadership, hard work and dedication demonstrated at the city and county levels. CHM is pleased to be associated with this development, and we look forward to seeing this site being transformed and vibrant with activity,” said Mike McGuffin, CHM, LLC Principal.
For more information on CHM and updates on the development visit www.chmllc.com.
This is an ongoing story. Check back for updates.
Photo courtesy of Target.
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