New retail project slated for Alexandria, Ala.

Jul. 11--There's a little spot of ground in the Alexandria Valley that's about to be turned and planted -- nothing new for the traditionally rural community.

By farming standards, the five-acre plot near the Alexandria-

Jacksonville Highway and U.S. 431 is perhaps meager.

For commerce, however, it's got the potential for a big yield.

Jim Downey, president of Downey and Graham LLC and owner of Downey Drug, said he has purchased the land adjacent to his pharmacy's U.S. 431 location and has plans to build a set of offices with a $3 million price tag.

Clearing for the first phase of the development, called Valley Crossing, is scheduled to begin today or Monday, Downey said.

"I am very excited about getting this under way," he said.

Phase one will consist of six offices housed in one building that measures approximately 16,000 to 18,000 square feet. The development is budgeted at nearly $2 million, he said.

Downey said he is going to build a new "ultra modern" pharmacy as one of the lead businesses in the building.

He also plans to attract a physician, dentist, optometrist, attorney, accountant and a few others to fill the space.

In his pursuit to fill the development with professionals, Downey already has been contacted by a physician, a chiropractor, and a bank that have expressed interest, he said.