Bass Pro, convention center planned for major Decatur development

by Birmingham News business staff

Monday March 17, 2008, 1:08 PM

A $1.3 billion mixed-use project that will feature a Bass Pro Shops, as well as retail, entertainment, office and residential components, is planned for Decatur, developers announced today.

Sweetwater is slated for 540 acres at Alabama 20 and Interstate 65/565.

The project's first phase will include 125 acres anchored by Bass Pro Shops and a major hotel and convention center. Plans also call for up to 300,000 square feet of additional retail in the first phase.

"This is exciting news for the City of Decatur and all of North Alabama," Gov. Bob Riley said. "Such a massive development really can change the face of an area and bring in revenue that would have never existed otherwise."

Investment in the project's first phase is estimated at up to $200 million. The development group, called Genesis U.S.A. Development LLC, is comprised of private investors within the national music and entertainment industries.

Future phases of Sweetwater will include more than 1 million square feet of retail space, about 825,000 square feet of medical and office buildings, 2,700 residences and an entertainment venue with seating of up to 8,000.

A school, fire station, parks and lakes also are planned.