Georgia real estate development company Shaifer Partners hosted a groundbreaking ceremony June 26 at Lake Country Village, the mixed-use development it is building across Hwy. 44 from Harmony Crossing.
The family-owned business officially began construction this spring on the development stretching across nearly 140 acres in eastern Putnam County.
Upon completion, Lake Country Village will include multiple amenities, including a Publix supermarket anchoring its commercial space, surrounded by residential neighborhoods.
Shaifer Partners President Adam Shaifer acknowledged the years-long process to make the project possible. He said it came about only after extensive patience and preparation.
“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for Shaifer Partners, one that has been in the making for 25 years,” Shaifer said. “We were intentional when we began assembling the 140 acres you see all around you today.”
Shaifer said the development company “waited until the time was right” for construction to begin. With prep work well underway and construction to begin soon, he expects the development will bring Lake Country many more job opportunities and residents.
“Even though it might seem like it’s been going on for a long time, we’re witnessing the first of many successful steps for Lake Country Village, a place that brings opportunities and builds success for residents and visitors,” Shaifer said. “I believe that Lake Country Village will generate significant long-term value for this region, and Shaifer Partners is excited to be the catalyst.”
Several local and statewide officials attended the Thursday evening event, including Putnam County Commission Chairman Bill Sharp, County Commissioner Dr. Steve Hersey, and Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce President Robbie King.
Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones also attended and spoke to the audience about how the development will benefit Putnam County. He recalled his previous duties as a member of the state senate and witnessing several project developments “throughout this stretch of highway.”
“It looks like Putnam County is primed to really benefit from all the wonderful aesthetics that we have here,” Jones said. “State Route 44 has probably been the biggest hurdle, but it’s also a prime example of what happens when county, state, and private partners come together.”
According to Shaifer Partners’ website, the real estate development company began planning for Lake Country Village in 1997, when it started purchasing the land for the project’s development.
Shaifer Partners plans to utilize some of the Lake Country Village commercial space for a hotel and conference center, in addition to retail space and single- and multifamily homes.
The real estate development company has partnered with Eatonton’s Fortis Siteworks for the project’s site development work, expected to be completed sometime in August. The Publix job will mark the start of the initial phase of the mixed-use Lake Country Village project.