The Mall at Shelter Cove on Hilton Head Island has a new owner with a new plan to try to revitalize the languishing shopping center.

A real estate affiliate of The Kroger Co. purchased the 42-acre property and 300,000-square-foot mall Aug. 10 for about $17.3 million, almost $7 million below its assessed market value, according to online Beaufort County property records. The company and a developer have discussed plans to tear down much of the mall and add a grocery story and apartments, according to a town official.

"The Mall at Shelter Cove is the perfect location for Kroger's first store on Hilton Head Island due to its centralized location and ease of access from anywhere on the island," said Glynn Jenkins, director of communications for Kroger's Atlanta Division, which includes South Carolina. "We look forward to bringing to life this property's full potential in a manner that serves residents and visitors."

Blanchard & Calhoun Commercial Corp. of Augusta, Ga., has been named the development partner for the project. The firm will also manage the property, Jenkins said.

Plans to redevelop the mall, which skirted foreclosure last year, are still being finalized, but will probably include construction of new retail space and the addition of residential units. Final plans will be announced later, according to a news release.

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