Spring Hill To Get Sports Authority, Mattress King

SPRING HILL - Spring Hill's fastest-growing retail center has doubled its lineup.

The Sports Authority, Mattress Giant, Wachovia Bank and Arby's will join anchor store JCPenney at the site next year, according to Atlanta-based developer Opus South.

"The quality of the stores coming to this center will give residents of Spring Hill and Hernando County the close-to-home shopping and dining options they deserve," said Opus spokesman Dan Morris.

Earlier this year, it was announced Best Buy, Office Depot and Cracker Barrel would be included in the 350,000-square-foot Nature Coast Commons.

JCPenney opened in March 2008 and Cracker Barrel is slated to open this fall. The rest of the center is expected to open in 2009.

When the anchor store opened, Morris said Spring Hill emerged as a viable retail community five years ago when the area's demographics began to change.

"Spring Hill has an established and diverse population that has been long underserved from a retail perspective," he said Friday.

Nature Coast Commons is located at 1399 Wendy Court, a short distance south of where Spring Hill Drive meets Commercial Way.

Sports Authority already has been included on the marquee along U.S. 19. The retailer specializes in fitness apparel, athletic footwear and sporting equipment.

Opus South has four offices in Florida, the closest being in Tampa.

The developer would not disclose any information about retailers or restaurants currently negotiating for space at Nature Coast Commons, but said more announcements are expected in the next few weeks.

There has been speculation in the last six months about a new Books-A-Million store at the site, but no agreement has been reached, according to Opus.