Edens & Avant, one of the nation's largest shopping center owner, is developing a new Necessity Retail (R) center in Winston-Salem, NC to accommodate the growing trade area. The new 76,900-square-foot center will be anchored by a 43,000-square-foot Lowes Foods and will feature other national and regional retailers that provide a complement of necessity goods and services. The Shoppes at Oliver's Crossing will be located at Peter's Creek Parkway/Highway 150 and Fishel Road in Winston-Salem's rapidly growing commercial district. Last year retail sales in Winston-Salem totaled $3.5 billion with the total population comprising of 185,000 residents. Joe Edens, chairman and CEO, said, "With a great grocer anchor such as Lowes Foods, and a great selection of stores, we believe the Shoppes at Oliver's Crossing will be the area's favorite place to shop. Curtis Oldenkamp, president of Lowes Foods, added, "This location gives us the opportunity to serve residents of south Forsyth County and north Davidson County, who currently do not have convenient access to a Lowes Foods store." Site preparation and construction for the Shoppes at Oliver's Crossing is expected to begin in May. The new Lowes Foods is projected to open in spring 2003. Edens & Avant, headquartered in Columbia, SC, is the largest private owner, manager and developer of retail centers in the eastern U.S., with 250 retail centers in 19 states.