Publix Super Markets buys Merchants Crossing

BUYER: Publix Super Markets Inc., Lakeland
SELLER: Inland American Englewood Merchants LLC
PROPERTY: 1500 Placida Road and 1675 S. McCall Road, Englewood
PRICE: $17.9 million
PREVIOUS PRICE: $14 million, June 2002

PLANS, DESCRIPTION:
Lakeland-based grocery group Publix Super Markets Inc. purchased the 213,739-square-foot Merchants Crossing shopping center for $17.9 million.

The price equated to $84 per square foot. That figure is lower than the two-year average price per square foot for retail space ($144) in Southwest Florida, according to the CoStar Group.