FOLEY, Ala. — As of next spring, South Baldwin residents won’t have far to travel when seeking out Academy Sports + Outdoors. That’s because during a special meeting Monday, the Foley City Council approved a special economic development grant agreement that will bring the franchised sporting-goods store to the Forward City.

With that agreement, the city commits $4 million in infrastructure improvements surrounding the property on which Burton Property Group LLC will build Foley Square LLC, a shopping center set to be housed behind Krystal’s along Pride Drive.

The first phase of the complex is for a 96,000 structure containing four retailers, with the anchor being Academy.

While the names of the other three retailers have not yet been released, Foley City Economic Development Director Jeff Rouzie said all four retailers have set an April 1, 2015 opening day.

“They want to begin the site work on Sept. 1,” he said.

Rouzie explained that the total cost of this first phase would be approximately $16 million. However, the endeavor could prove beneficial to the infrastructure in the area that is situated near both the YMCA and Foley High School.

“It’s really going to help our retention along Pine Street,” he said.

Plus, Rouzie estimated that the businesses should generate between $21 and $31 million in annual sales.

In a phone interview after the meeting, Foley City Administrator Mike Thompson explained that Foley would receive 2 percent sales tax revenue. Plus, an extra penny will be added to each dollar of sales to reimburse the city for the infrastructure commitment until the total amount is recouped.

Additional sales tax revenue will go to the county, school board and state.

“Of course there are other revenue benefits to this,” Thompson said, explaining that the shopping center will generate business licenses and property tax.

He pointed out that while the site of the center is currently undeveloped, the shopping center will become an asset that increases its value.

In addition, Thompson anticipates the coming stores will create between 100 and 150 jobs in Foley.

But this could be just the beginning of an even bigger shopping center. Prior to Monday’s vote, Rouzie said Burton anticipates building a 100,000-square-foot second phase in 2016.

“We do have a phase three they’re working on,” he said.