The developer and general contractor for SoMo Walls, a shopping and dining center in Tallahassee, have committed to reserving 35 percent of their budget for minority-owned subcontractors.

Developer Bugra Demirel is working with Southern Standard Construction on the $5 million project, which is expected to break ground in January, 2022, broadcaster WTXL-TV reported on Oct. 5.

The builders will renovate 33,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, add a new 5,995 sq. ft. building, and complete infrastructure improvements to driveways and utility lines on the nearly 2.3 acre site, The Tallahassee Democrat says.

While the City of Tallahassee and Leon County recommend at least 10.5 percent of similar projects go to minority and female-owned contractors, Southern Standard owner Wayne Mayo told the broadcaster that it was important they do more.

“There are many talented vendors and sub-contractors in our community that fit the MWSBE demographic,” Mayo said. “But many of them don’t know about the project.”

He said the project will generate 63 construction jobs and more than $1.8 million in income or wages.

“It is real work within our community to help their businesses grow like we had the opportunity to do as well,” Mayo told WTXL. Southern Standard will open bidding for subcontractors in December.