Where is the most logical place for an outlet mall in Lexington County?

A good bet is on busy I-77 south of the fast-growing Cayce area.

An undeveloped 50-acres at I-77 and 12th Street Extension is near SCANA, Amazon and Nephron Pharmaceuticals with hundreds of employees who could become customers.

Peter Edelmann of E.B. Development told local media that plans for The Outlets at Southern Commons have changed.

The site faces SCANA’s South Campus near I-77 and I-26. That gives easy access to Lexington County and Columbia shoppers.

Retailers say the site is perfect for an outlet mall, according to Paulette Russell of E.B. Development.

The developer is reconsidering plans for the outlet mall due to internet sales effects on retailers’ brick-and-mortar stores.

The company plans to divide the 175,000 square feet into about 60 shops, up to 2 family-oriented entertainment centers, a hotel, restaurants, a brewery and property for possible residential development.

Russell said construction could begin late next year with a 2020 opening.