Alabama-based Development Corporation to Re-Develop Black Gold Plaza in Hazard, Perry County
HAZARD, KY (March 13, 2025) — Drinkard Development, an Alabama-based development corporation, announced its plans to re-develop Black Gold Plaza in Hazard, KY. Retail additions will include Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx, and Five Below, with plans to add more retailers in the near future. This private capital investment is estimated at $16.5 million and would not have been possible without support from city, county, and state government, and other local organizations.
“We first started planning the re-development more than three years ago. There have been many moving parts to get us to where we are today,” shared Jason Grimmett of Drinkard Development. He went on to share that, “without several key people involved and caring about this community, we would not be announcing the redevelopment of Black Gold Plaza Shopping Center. We all owe a debt of gratitude to Mayor Happy Mobelini, Judge Executive Scott Alexander, Betsy Clemons (Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce), and Zach Lawrence (Executive Director, Hazard-Perry County Economic Development Alliance). Each of these stayed on the course and pushed hard for this project. I have been in almost daily contact with Zach Lawrence for this entire time, and his office has been most instrumental in bringing us to this point.”
“I want to thank Mr. Roy Drinkard for his continued investment in Hazard. Drinkard Development has had a footprint in Hazard now for almost 40 years, and I’m glad to see this partnership continue with this re-development,” said Zach Lawrence, Executive Director of Hazard-Perry County Economic Development Alliance. Mayor Happy Mobelini said “this is the type of announcement that can have an impact on our community in various ways, including revenue, job creation, and potential for more future development…this is a huge win for the City of Hazard and Perry County.” Judge Executive Scott Alexander shared that he is “beyond excited about all the new businesses setting up shop in Perry County. This expansion is going to bring so many great opportunities for everyone, from new jobs to more choices right here in our own backyard. It is a huge step forward in growing our community, and our local economy, making our town an even better place to live and work. The future in Perry County is looking bright.”
The center is currently undergoing a storm drain relocation before further demolition and construction begins. It is anticipated that some of the construction will be completed in early 2026, with more continuing into Fall 2026. A project of this magnitude takes quite some time to execute, but we are excited that we are beginning to see significant progress, and we think this is only the beginning for Hazard and Perry County to continue to see improvement. Plans for a groundbreaking ceremony will be announced soon.
About Hazard-Perry Economic Development Alliance
Hazard-Perry Economic Development Alliance (HPCEDA) is a privately-funded organization that, in partnership with regional and local government, seeks to attract and expand businesses and opportunities in the Hazard and Perry County area. Find out more about HPCEDA by visiting https://www.hpceda.com/. For more information, contact Executive Director, Zach Lawrence, at zach@oneeastky.com or 606-436-9731. Efforts of HPCEDA would not be possible without the generous support of private investors and local government entities.