New retail center planned at Nolan River Mall

Cleburne Times-Review
By Matt Smith msmith@trcle.com
January 26, 2023

New retail construction and establishment remains robust, Cleburne Economic Development Director Grady Easdon reported during Tuesday’s Cleburne City Council meeting.

Easdon was on hand Wednesday morning for the ground breaking of a new retail strip center soon to be built in the parking lot of Nolan River Mall as were officials from the Woodmont Company, a Fort Worth-based commercial real estate company.

The center will house Firehouse Subs, Sport Clips and Aspen Dental.

“This will be a strip center of about 6,000 square feet,” Woodmont Vice President of Development Jake McCoy said. “We’re looking at about six to seven months to delivery.”

Issues with FEMA and TxDOT since resolved slowed progress.

“We’ve had some of these leases signed for eight months or a year or so,” McCoy said. “So it’s been a long trip around the sun but we’re glad to get it started and hope to get it built quick without delays.”

And on budget as well, Construction Manager Adam Brown added.

Also on hand was Brian Kaus, owner of the Firehouse Sub to come. Kaus said he owns other Firehouse Sub locations in Fort Worth and looks forward to expanding into Cleburne.

Chilly temps and high winds shortened the ceremony but failed to quell enthusiasm for the project.

“The construction of homes and new businesses absolutely figured into our decision to build in Cleburne,” McCoy said. “The market here is expanding, which the Chisholm Trail Parkway had a lot to do with opening the area up to new businesses. Off the cuff, I know of several other national tenants trying to get locations here. Woodmont is in its 43rd year and we’re happy and excited to be doing business close to home.”

Music to Easdon’s ears.

“We look forward to you being here.”

Cleburne Community Development Director David Jones agreed.

“Looking forward to the center coming and thanks for being good partners,” Jones said.

Easdon dubbed the center a win for Cleburne.

“The three businesses coming in are things that we need and something our folks are going to be excited to see come I’m sure,” Easdon said. “It’s great to have new development along this stretch of Henderson Street and great to have new options not only for Henderson Street but for Cleburne overall.”

Easdon added that he looks forward to enjoying a Firehouse sub in the near future.

“Oh I love Firehouse,” Easdon said. “My wife and I ate at the one in Burleson last Saturday. They were already on my mind since I knew they were coming here and I hadn’t been to one in a while. They’re really good.”