Publix buys its real estate in downtown Tampa's Channel district

Publix Super Markets Inc. has acquired its new store in downtown Tampa’s Channel district from the developers who built it.

The Lakeland-based grocer paid $7.69 million for the 37,600-square-foot store, which fronts Meridian Avenue between Twiggs and Madison streets. It is part of the Channel Club, a development that also includes a 21-story apartment tower.

The developer is a joint venture between Tampa’s Mercury Advisors and Atlanta-based ECI Group.

The apartment tower opened to residents in…