The skeleton of a Krispy Kreme is rising near the Auburn Mall, but doughnut fans will have to wait a little longer than expected for the "Hot Now" sign to illuminate the highway.
The Krispy Kreme was originally scheduled to be finished by the end of 2015, but construction was delayed because of pipes being replaced near the site. The pipe replacement was delayed by significant amounts of rain, according to Coles Doyle, marketing director of Hull Property Group, which owns the mall.
Doyle said she thinks the shop is a great addition to the property and will attract both old and new customers to the mall.
"I do think it will be appealing to college kids and the community at large," Doyle said.
Kevin Cowper, assistant city manager, said the pipe replacement was not connected to Renew Opelika Road, a joint city and state project also making repairs and improvements in the area.
"That was their own project on private property," Cowper said.
Cowper said Renew Opelika Road projects near the mall include turn lane improvements, pedestrian lights and sidewalk construction from Zaxby's to the movie theater on East University Drive and from the mall entrance on Opelika Road to Mall Boulevard.
Doyle said construction on the 35,000-square-foot building is on track now and should be completed by spring.
"Who doesn't love Krispy Kreme doughnuts?" Doyle said.
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