Gander Mtn. to open Tuesday

The first occupant of the new River Trace Shopping Center development in East Gadsden will open his doors Tuesday.    Company officials say Gander Mountain, a 52,000-square-foot outdoor specialty store, will hold a “soft opening” at 8 a.m. Tuesday morning.  Several other in the development are currently under construction or have submitted plans or have talked to city building officials about their plans.  Blackwater Resources has projected annual sales of $30 million for the development.  Ross Dress for Less, which will have a 22,400-square-foot store, and Hobby Lobby, which will be in a 55,000-square-foot building and is relocating from George Wallace Drive, already have been announced and are well under construction.  City officials say building permits have been issued to Shoe Carnival and to Ulta Beauty, a beauty supply store and salon. Both will be in spaces of a little less than 10,000 square feet.  Panda Express has submitted drawings, but has not requested a building permit. The restaurant will have a drive-thru and will be located in an outparcel, as will a family medical practice office.