Working on its first project in Arlington, Olive Branch-based developer Focal Point Investment LLC is nearly ready to begin installing infrastructure for its new $45 million The Falls commercial development on the southwest corner of Milton Wilson Boulevard and Airline Road.

The project, which will feature a variety of office and retail space along with a proposed assisted living facility, received final approval for Phase 1 construction plans from the Arlington Board of Mayor and Aldermen Aug. 5.

Work on the seven-acre tract should start next month. Plans include a 15-bay strip shopping center along with two large operators in stand-alone buildings, 11 6,000-square-foot office buildings making up a medical office park and a 60,000-square-foot assisted-living facility.

“We have several tenants lined up for the 15 bays and a few tenants so far for the offices,” Focal Point VP of Development Chad Fischer said. “We’re going to start with building one (office building) on spec.”

The strip center, where each bay will measure 1,200 square feet, will include commercial and retail tenants. Within the office park, Fischer expects a possible mix of dentists, doctor’s offices, attorneys and/or insurance businesses.

“We’re aiming to start in about 30 days on the infrastructure,” Fischer said. “There’s an existing house on Lot 2, and it will be removed. We’ve had a tenant there that sells insurance.”

Lakeland’s Renaissance Group Architects is handling creation of the project’s design.

“We were looking for a spot to build an assisted living facility, and we ended up buying more land,” Fischer said. 

The construction plans for Phase 1 were approved in June by the Arlington Planning Commission.

“By adding additional medical facilities or doctor’s offices in the Arlington Falls development, Arlington can further accommodate our senior citizens,” Arlington Alderman Jeremy Biggs said.

The developer is required to complete roadway improvements along Milton Wilson Boulevard, and the town plans to widen Airline Road with the help of Tennessee Department of Transportation funds beginning this fall when the funds become available.

One hurdle in developing the project is the large number of trees that need to be removed from the site.

“We’re not allowed to burn any of the trees that we’re taking down. We have to haul them out, so that’s a challenge right now. It’s a heavily wooded site,” Fischer said. “The Town of Arlington has been great to work with. They’ve given us a lot of positive feedback and direction. It’s a great area, and we just want to add to it.”

Some town officials are hoping to see more projects brought forward that focus on active adult and senior communities.

“Arlington currently is an enticing community for young families due to our highly rated public schools and a park system that accommodates many youth sports leagues. We should embrace this aspect of our town,” Biggs said. “However, I do see a need for Arlington to become a more attractive community for senior citizens.” 

He cites the fact that Arlington has the lowest tax rate of all municipalities in Shelby County. 

“I would love to see some future residential developments that specifically target the retirement community,” he said. “This would allow Arlington to keep longtime residents as they age and decide to downsize their homes.”

Focal Point also developed the apartments at 999 Cooper in Midtown, and the company has a number of other projects in the works in Memphis and DeSoto County.