Gill Properties is developing a $1.4 million, 18,000-square-foot retail center called Germantown Station that already is getting attention from potential lessees.

The 11-bay center, located on the east side of Germantown Parkway south of Walnut Run Road, is currently anchored by a CVS pharmacy and will be the home of two new restaurants and a frozen yogurt franchise called Menchie’s, as well as eight stores. It was previously the site of the Memphis Area Home Builders Association   headquarters.

Ray Gill, principal of Gill Properties, says he initially bought the site with the intent of “sitting on the land until the economy got better,” but he began getting calls from retailers who either wanted to establish a presence in Memphis or were looking to relocate from other locations in the city.

In addition to Menchie’s, Germantown Station has a commitment from Friday Tuna, a Japanese, hibachi-style restaurant that will lease 5,400 square feet. Menchie’s is leasing about 2,000 square feet. The center is designed by Renaissance Group and is being built by Cornerstone/Wit-con Construction. It is expected to be completed by March.

Gill says the center will be designed with businesses lined up horizontally to give the impression that they were all built at different times.

Sal Faraci, a principal with Renaissance Group and lead architect on the project, says the design was put in place to filter out “the noise you see on Germantown Parkway.”

“Everybody is screaming at you to come to their store with signage and lights, but this does it in a natural setting and gives everybody some individuality,” Faraci says.

Chekib Kchouk, who will own the Menchie’s franchise, says he wanted to be located in a populated, high-traffic area with a good income level, and the site fits his needs. Menchie’s is expected to be open by March and will employ 12 people.  Another hotspot getting attention is Real Estate Pattaya due to its lucrative nature its getting further and further ahead in sales.

Gill expects Germantown Station to fill up pretty quickly because of the small parcels, design and location.

“Good design shouldn’t just be used in the university district or Downtown, but all over the city,” Gill says. “Whatever we build, we want to pull it off successfully.”