REPUBLIC, Mo. – A planned $65 million retail and residential project will be the largest of its kind in the city of Republic, developers say.
Magers Management says its “Iron Grain District” mixed-use development will offer shopping, over 200 residential units, a pool, dog park, clubhouse and walking trails. Magers Vice President Shannon Handwerker told The Heartlander she couldn’t comment on which restaurants were in talks for the new project, but said several recognizable brands from St. Louis to Oklahoma have reached out to show interest.
The development will be located off James River Freeway and State Highway MM near the new Amazon warehouse and Convoy of Hope.
The shopping center is the first phase of the Iron Grain District and will feature 25,000 square feet of space where community-based events will be held throughout the year.
“It’s a sharp-looking development,” Handwerker said. “It’s not just the 25,000 square foot shopping center. We’ve had banks that we are talking to, a medical user that we are talking to. They have both taken interest in an outlot, and also to be located inside the shopping center.”
Handwerker also said there are still plenty of available lots for lease.
“We don’t have anything leased yet. We are hoping to break ground this month,” she said. “It’s been a process with supply chain issues, construction labor and what have you. Things have moved a little slower than what we are used to.”
Additionally, Handwerker said the project aims to partner with residents of Republic to put the people at the heart of the experience. Jones Marketing of Springfield has taken the reins to name, brand and position the development.
The Iron Grain District received its name as a tribute to Republic’s history as a major Midwest railroad crossroad.
“The proposed Iron Grain District project brings retail and residential development together in a way that aligns with our current goal to make Republic a great place to live, work and play,” Republic Mayor Matthew Russell said in a press release.
