Report: Aldi to anchor new $12M shopping center in Fla.

Orlando, Fla. An Orlando, Fla., development firm plans to build a 50,000-sq.-ft. shopping center in Ocoee, Fla., anchored by an Aldi discount grocery store, according to the Orlando Business Journal.

Vertical construction is slated to start in early 2010 at the Shoppes of West Oaks center. The project is expected to cost $12 million.

Aldi reportedly will build its new 20,000-sq.-ft. prototype store at the Shoppes of West Oaks center, and will include another three or four outparcels as well, along with additional retail space, all totaling about 30,000 sq. ft.

It is the first new Aldi store to enter the market since the discount grocer opened 13 stores in Central Florida, and a Haines City, Fla., distribution center, last year. According to the report, Aldi wants to add stores in other locations -- including one under construction in Oviedo, Fla.

Aldi also plans to build a 780,800-sq.-ft. distribution center in Jefferson, Ga. The distribution center would have 482,223 sq. ft. at first, with a proposed future expansion of 298,626 sq. ft.