Construction has begun on a Kroger Marketplace and an adjoining shopping center that is expected to attract additional retail to the city of Montgomery.

The 120,000-square-foot store broke ground this month and is expected to create 300 retail, management and construction jobs, said Kristal Howard, The Kroger Company public relations manager.

The store is expected to open by early 2017 in Buffalo Springs on the northwest side of the Hwy. 105 and FM 2854 intersection, Howard said. Once complete, the store will feature an extensive selection of fresh foods coupled with apparel and shoes, home goods, small appliances, a Kroger Fuel Center and Kroger Pharmacy, Howard said.

Kroger currently operates 110 stores in the greater Houston area, including seven Marketplace stores in Willis, Tomball, Cypress, Katy, Kingwood, Richmond and Rosenberg.