Fernmoor advances $100M Mi-Place at Rockvale redevelopment

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Fernmoor marked a construction milestone at Mi-Place at Rockvale.

Jeffrey Fernbach, CEO of Fernmoor, joined community, business and regional tourism representatives to tour the redevelopment site and view the first residential apartment buildings now under construction at The Shops @ Rockvale. Fernmoor executives provided updates on the company’s ongoing $100 million redevelopment of the shopping destination into a mixed-use community featuring residential housing, retail, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle amenities.

“This project continues to move from vision to reality,” Fernbach said in a statement. “The residential construction now underway represents another important step in transforming The Shops @ Rockvale into a connected community where people can live, shop, dine, and gather, all in one location.”

The first phase of construction includes four four-story buildings with 32 apartments each. Apartment homes will feature one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans. Upon completion, the full community is planned to include 480 apartments across 15 buildings, all with elevator access.

Fernmoor representatives said pre-leasing is anticipated to begin in late 2026, with first move-ins expected in spring 2027.

“Anything that brings revitalization to this area of the county is welcome,” said Brandon Martin, president/CEO of American Music Theatre. “We’ve seen an obvious and concerted effort on the part of Fernmoor to bring these plans to fruition.”

Fernmoor also highlighted continued commercial growth and infrastructure improvements across the property.

Among the recent openings and upcoming additions are the following:

• The Cage, a 12,733-square-foot baseball and softball training facility featuring eight batting cages, two HitTrax simulators, and a party room, opened in March in Suite 703. The facility expanded recreational and youth sports offerings at The Shops @ Rockvale.
• A New Dawn, a 2,700-square-foot furniture and décor store featuring curated home furnishings and interior design selections opened in early May in Suite 1715.
• Twisted Sisters Ice Cream & Handmade Chocolates, a 1,341-square-foot ice cream and sweets shop located in Suite 505, is expected to open in mid-June. The business will feature homemade chocolates, ice cream and specialty treats.
• Uptown Cheapskate, an 8,094-square-foot retail concept specializing in higher-end consigned apparel, accessories and shoes for men and women, is expected to open in mid-June in Suite 902. The national retailer operates more than 160 locations across 29 states and is currently buying inventory ahead of opening.
• Zest Cooking School, a 2,500-square-foot culinary education space located in Suite 1723, is expected to open Aug. 1. The cooking school will offer hands-on classes for groups of 25 to 30 people focused on helping participants learn and refine culinary skills for home cooking.

Fernmoor property upgrades completed or underway include facade improvements, upgraded parking lot lighting, roof replacements, and rooftop improvements in preparation for future solar panel installation. Previous tenant announcements included AutoZone, W.O.L.F. Fitness, Miniature Realms & Adventures, Ezzy Eats Authentic Mexican Restaurant, and The Back Nine Golf as part of Fernmoor’s broader repositioning of the site.

Fernmoor’s earlier investments in the property also included approximately $1.2 million in roof replacements across commercial buildings, a $600,000 renovation of Building 8, and site work to prepare for residential development.