KFC, Starbucks and more to rise on Yelm Avenue

"Construction at Yelm Avenue and Creek Street is moving along, and locals may see buildings rising soon.

Managing team member Tim Morris estimates locals will see a tremendous change to what is currently a dirt patch in the upcoming months.

During the next week or two, Morris plans to stake out the infrastructure and bring in a large crane.

Once the concrete walls are poured, the crane will lift them and make the development site appear to have complete structures. Morris estimates this will take eight to 12 weeks, and more construction will be done to the structures throughout the year.

Estimated completion date is set for the end of 2007, but Morris said businesses will open January 2008, if his plans go smoothly.

Total cost of the project is estimated in the millions of dollars, according to Morris.

When business' doors open, the development will include Starbucks, Anytime Fitness, Desert Sun, Auto Zone, Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell and a Japanese and Teriyaki restaurant.

A few other business have expressed interest in moving into the complex, but Morris said the aforementioned businesses are the only ones that have finalized their tenancies," quoting the Nisqually Valley News.

KFC, Taco Bell plus the Pizza Hut a block away are franchises of parent Louisville, Ky. based Yum! Brands, Inc.