Stiles Expands Into Kentucky With 54,946-SF Publix-Anchored Retail Real Estate Development in Bowling Green
Stiles, a full-service commercial real estate firm with a 75-year operating history across the Southeast, announced April 13 that it is entering the Kentucky market with the development of a new Publix-anchored retail center in Bowling Green. The project marks the firm's first announced footprint in the state and extends a regional expansion strategy that already spans Florida, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.
Retail Real Estate Development Details
The development will be located at the southeast corner of Campbell Lane and Smallhouse Road in Bowling Green, Ky. The project will include a 54,946-square-foot Publix Super Market, an adjacent Publix Liquors, and additional shop space. Stiles will lead both development and design, with architecture handled by Stiles Architectural Group.
Construction is scheduled to break ground later in fall 2026, with an anticipated opening in the second quarter of 2028. No transaction price, loan amount, or cap rate was disclosed in connection with the announcement.
"Entering Kentucky is an exciting step forward for our company," said Austin Freedman, Senior Director of Retail Development for Stiles Retail Group. "Bowling Green represents a dynamic and growing market, and we are proud to partner with Publix to deliver a high-quality retail experience that will serve the community for years to come."
Stiles Expands Southeast Real Estate Development Platform
Founded more than seven decades ago, Stiles has developed, constructed, and managed more than 54 million square feet of office, industrial, retail, mixed-use, and residential projects throughout the Southeast. The Bowling Green project represents the firm's stated push into high-growth markets beyond its established base.
"This project reflects our continued commitment to thoughtful investment and strong partnerships in key markets across the Southeast," said Ryan Karlin, President of Stiles Retail Group. "We see meaningful opportunity in Kentucky and look forward to building on this momentum."
Publix Super Markets, one of the nation's largest employee-owned grocery retailers, is also expanding its Kentucky presence as part of a broader growth strategy. The Bowling Green location is intended to provide area residents with access to grocery offerings, prepared foods, and pharmacy services, according to the announcement.
Project Timeline and Firm Background
With a groundbreaking targeted for fall 2026 and a projected opening in Q2 2028, the Bowling Green development represents a roughly two-year construction timeline. Stiles Architectural Group will handle design, keeping the project within the firm's integrated platform that spans development, construction, and management services.
The project adds Kentucky to a portfolio that Stiles has built across the Southeast over 75 years, with the firm positioning the state as a logical extension of its existing regional presence in Florida, the Carolinas, and Tennessee.