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Kenlan plans development in Oxford square

Three-story buildings will include condos, retail and office space
By Amos Maki
Contact
September 30, 2006
Memphis-based Kenlan Development LLC is building a landmark $15 million mixed-use development in Oxford.

The company is building the 80-acre "square" piece of the 580-acre Oxford Commons development at Highway 7 and Sisk Avenue.

"The square piece is significant because it's the only true mixed-use development besides the historic square," said Lance Forsdick, managing member of Kenlan Development. "It's a safe, clean, comfortable environment where people can live, work and play all in the same place."

Condominiums, retail and office space will be part of the mix at the square, located next to the recently opened American Screenworks movie theater.

A 25- to 30-room boutique hotel is also planned.

The project -- designed by Memphis-based Looney Ricks Kiss, the local firm that has created highly touted project designs for Downtown and Midtown as well as cities nationwide -- will consist of four three-story buildings. Two buildings will be residential and the other two commercial.

Construction is scheduled to start in December.

Each residential building will have 23 condominium units ranging in size from 1,269 square feet to 1,562 square feet.

The condos will have porches and balconies that overlook the new square.

The commercial buildings will total 46,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and office space.

The ground floor spaces in the commercial buildings are slated for restaurant and retail tenants, including upscale restaurants, a coffee shop, an ice cream store and an upscale men's and women's clothing and accessory shops.

The top two floors of the commercial buildings are designed as Class A office space.

The project will have more than 360 parking spaces for the four buildings, including 92 gated spaces for the condo owners.

Mayor Richard Howorth said Oxford -- which has seen a good deal of interest from developers -- is perfect for projects like Kenlan's, which aims to enhance the city's historic character.

"I think it's a project that has tremendous potential," he said. "Oxford is a small town and its recent success owes much to its original small town characteristics.

"I think duplicating the existing model in other areas is attractive. I'm excited about what their mission is and I hope they are successful."

Marchbanks Realty out of Oxford is marketing the residential pieces. TRI Realty of Tupelo is handling the commercial space.

The square development is just a small piece of a much more ambitious project.

Kenlan is planning a 300,000-square-foot department store-anchored retail center featuring a traditional "town center." There is also about 400 acres available for a mix of housing.

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The Square at Oxford Commons

Kenlan Development LLC is building a $15 million mixed-use project in Oxford.

The company is developing the 80-acre "square" piece of the 580-acre Oxford Commons development at Highway 7 and Sisk Avenue in Oxford.

It will contain a mix of condos, retail and office.

Web site: oxfordmscommons.com