Publix headed to Cotswold?

It seems there could be a Publix Super Market in the works for Cotswold, directly across Randolph Road from a longstanding Harris Teeter.

A rezoning application filed for the 2.2 acre site between Randolph and Colwick roads seeks permission to build up to 65,000 square feet of retail space, constructed above a parking garage. The site (map below) is currently occupied by a nearly 50-year-old office building. The rezoning application was filed in conjunction with Stiles, a Florida-based developer building several new Publix locations in Charlotte.

A Stiles representative couldn't immediately be reached. Jeff Brown, a lawyer representing the developer, said that the site is intended primarily for a grocery store, but declined to name the tenant. Publix spokeswoman Kim Reynolds said she could not confirm the possible location. The Florida-based grocer has a policy of not commenting on potential sites until a lease is signed.

Publix and Stiles have joined to build supermarkets in Ballantyne, Mint Hill and South End. Stiles opened a Charlotte office last year, in part to help facilitate Publix's planned spread across North Carolina. The company has announced locations for 14 planned supermarkets in and around Charlotte.

The rezoning site is directly across from a Harris Teeter, one of Publix's main competitors as it tries to muscle into Charlotte. But Publix hasn't been shy about locating near Harris Teeter. Its McKee Farms location in Matthews is directly across from a Harris Teeter, for example.

The proposed retail establishment in the rezoning site plan looks as though it would be similar to the Whole Foods in the SouthPark area, which also has parking located under a supermarket accessible by escalator and elevator.

A public hearing on the rezoning request is scheduled for Dec. 15.

Publix's planned Charlotte-area locations