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
The Willows Shopping Center has officially broken ground in Cookeville, with plans to open its doors in the Fall of 2026. The development is a significant project for the area, with a total investment estimated at $60 million.
Construction commenced with a significant focus on the new Target store, being built at 1100 S. Willow Ave. This store alone has an estimated cost of $15 million. The decision to include a Target aligns with Cookeville’s vision of enhancing shopping experiences for locals and travelers alike.
The Willows Shopping Center is strategically placed at Cookeville’s Exit 286 off Interstate 40, which is expected to draw both shoppers and tourists. Besides the Target, the shopping center’s plans also include a Home Depot and numerous restaurants, catering to a variety of consumer needs.
Recent data indicates a growing commercial sector in Cookeville, with a total of 74 building permits issued just last month. This includes the new Target project, which topped the list. Recently approved infrastructure improvements in the South Willow Avenue-Green Gate Lane area aim to support this development, a joint effort by Cookeville and Putnam County.
Overall, the Willows project is projected to create approximately 350 to 400 jobs for the local community, which is a substantial benefit for residents and the local economy. The push for commercial building in Cookeville has included various other projects, such as a $1.3 million McDonald’s restaurant on 1201 N. Washington Ave and multiple remodeling and new construction projects.
In addition to the new commercial establishments, Cookeville issued 43 residential construction permits last month. The range of residential permits varied between $140,146 and $981,864, reflecting a diverse set of housing options. This included 26 single-family houses, 13 single-family attached housing</b, and four multi-family housing permits. There were also eight residential remodel projects, with costs ranging from $6,000 to $125,000.
The growing interest in construction and development in Cookeville suggests a robust economy, preparing for an influx of both businesses and families. This growth trend is not isolated to new builds, as several remodeling projects are also underway across the city, enhancing the existing infrastructure.
As construction continues, the community is undoubtedly eager to see how the Willows Shopping Center will enhance the local business landscape and provide more shopping and dining options. The timetable set for the center to begin operations remains in place for the Fall of 2026, and residents are looking forward to the changes that will come with it.
Key Commercial Permits Issued
- $1.3 million McDonald’s at 1201 N. Washington Ave.
- $1,116,000 project for Neal Street LLC.
- $30,000 project by Jonathan Norris at 611 Rich Froning Way.
- $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.
Residential Construction and Remodels
Besides commercial advancements, it is noteworthy that Cookeville also issued six demolition permits and one fence permit at 4503 South Creek Road last month, indicating a busy period for construction in the city.
FAQ Section
When did construction for The Willows Shopping Center begin?
The groundbreaking for The Willows Shopping Center took place on April 2025.
What is the estimated cost of the Target store?
The estimated cost of the Target store is $15 million.
What can we expect to see at the Willows Shopping Center?
The Willows Shopping Center is expected to include a Home Depot and several restaurants.
When is the Willows Shopping Center expected to open?
The Willows Shopping Center is expected to open in Fall 2026.
How many jobs will the Willows project create?
The development is projected to create between 350 to 400 jobs for the Cookeville area.
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Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Cookeville’s Exit 286 off Interstate 40 |
| Total Investment | $60 million |
| Estimated Jobs Created | 350 to 400 |
| Major Store | Target |
| Additional Stores | Home Depot and restaurants |
| Expected Opening | Fall 2026 |
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
Author: Construction CA News
CALIFORNIA STAFF WRITER The CALIFORNIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructioncanews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in California and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rose Parade, Coachella, Comic-Con, and the California State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the California Building Industry Association and Associated General Contractors of California, plus leading businesses in technology and entertainment that power the local economy such as Apple and Alphabet. As part of the broader network, including constructionnynews.com, constructiontxnews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape across multiple states.
