The Market at Willis Shopping Center, a 69.7-acre development, has broken ground at the southeast corner of I-45 and FM 1097 and will bring the first H-E-B to Willis, commercial real estate firm Fidelis announced in a Sept. 7 release.

The center is expected to open in 2022, according to the release. Phase 1, which has broken ground, includes more than 200,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and service space. Phase 2 is expected to begin construction in the third quarter of 2022 with additional anchors, retailers, services and sit-down restaurants, according to the release, as well as a three-story multifamily complex with 250 units.

“With the closest retail shopping center over 5 miles away, this property will provide much needed restaurants and shopping options to the immediate area,” said Lynn Davis, Fidelis co-president and chief leasing & development officer, in the release. “We are excited to partner with H-E-B and bring one of the largest retailers in the United States to Willis.”

The shopping center is anchored by H-E-B, according to the release.

“H-E-B is thrilled to become a part of the Willis community,” said Martha Barrera, public affairs H-E-B manager in Houston, in the release. “We will build and tailor this state-of-the-art store to thoughtfully cater to the community of Willis, Texas. We’re ready and excited to build a great store Willis can be proud of for years to come.”