City of High Point breaks ground on Palladium Center expansion

HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) – An expansion of the Palladium Shopping Center is on its way to becoming a reality for those who work and live in High Point.

On Wednesday, city leaders held a groundbreaking ceremony for the extension of Samet Drive, which will provide needed access to the new development.

It’s hard to imagine right now, but soon enough the plot of land at the corner of Wendover Avenue and Penny Road will become Palladium South. Current site plans show there will be a little bit of everything offered, including retail, housing, restaurants and more.

“High Point changes the world and we want to make sure that we’re on the cutting edge of new urbanism,” said Mayor Pro-Tem Michael Holmes.

That change has been about five years in the making. Finally, High Point city leaders are seeing progress.

“It’s really exciting because we overcame a once in a lifetime challenge in a tough market to be able to bring this project here,” said Holmes.

Palladium South will be on 36 acres and will eventually be turned into a hub for activity.

“It’s the very core, in my view, of the of the City of High Point, so we’re excited to be working on this opportunity at this time,” said Dennis Bunker, who’s developing the land.

Bunker of Bunker Land Group out of Charlotte is teaming up with local developer David Couch to create Palladium South. Site plans on the developer’s website show there will be room for nearly 300 apartments, several places to eat and shop, a convenience store and more.

“Every vibrant community needs amenities and options and this will provide that,” said Bunker.

City leaders are hoping those amenities are coming at the right time to attract more people to High Point.

Folks are looking for, for culture,” said Holmes. “They’re looking for opportunities for things that they can provide their families. We think about how folks are being at the megasite with Toyota, out at the airport with Boom Supersonic and some of those projects out there you know, we’re a prime place to live.”

The extension of Samet Drive should be finished in about a year. The developer told FOX8 he hopes some of the first tenants can open up their doors around that time as well.

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