A popular Starkville eatery will change ownership and anchor a $14 million, mixed-use development along University Drive.
Construction on The 509, which will feature 42 condominiums and boutique retail space, will begin this summer, with phase one construction scheduled to conclude next fall, Tabor Development and Tuscaloosa, Alabama-based Progressive Properties announced last week.
The development will locate around City Bagel Cafe, whose owners Joe and Mary Tkach will retire this summer.
The business will transition and remain open under Eat Local Starkville’s leadership, which is owned by restaurateurs Brian Kelley and Ty Thames.
Kelley and Thames operate Bin 612, the Guest Room and Restaurant Tyler.
“College towns are a strong market for economic and real estate development, and we believe Starkville is in the perfect position to experience this positive economic growth,” said Progressive Properties broker Samuel Brewer in a release. “However, we believe the influence of a local developer is a key part of making a project like this a success, and we are very happy to be working alongside Tabor Development.”
The 509 will feature two three-story residential condominium buildings located less than half of a mile from Mississippi State University’s campus. The floor plans include open layouts, a private balcony or patio and unique design elements, such as built-in bunks.
Parking areas will be constructed under the buildings.
Jeremy Tabor, of Tabor Developments, said local architect Briar Jones and lead engineer Saunders Ramsey are contributing to the project.
“The 509 will be a great addition to the downtown corridor, offering a diverse mix of residential and commercial to serve our growing need for alumni and urban living,” he said in a release.
In honor of the Tkachs’ 18 years of service in the Starkville community, the two condominium buildings will be known as “the Joe” and “the Mary.”
“We are pleased that Ty Thames and Brian Kelley will continue to keep City Bagel Cafe running as it has for 20 years,” the family said in a release. “We know they will provide quality services and products as we have tried to do over the years. The Starkville community has been wonderful to us, providing friendship and, at times, much needed support.”
Kelley, in the release, said his business plan is to use the Tkachs’ success as a roadmap for future success.
“It is such a special place for the Starkville community, and we look forward to keeping the legacy going with the foundation of integrity that the Tkachs put in place for the past 20 years,” Kelley said. “We are very thankful that Sam Brewer and Jeremy Tabor realized how important City Bagel is to our community and that they made it a priority to ensure its place in Starkville for years to come.”
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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