We hear that Kroger is back in talks with Weeks Robinson Properties to occupy a more than 1M SF refrigerated distribution center at Fort Gillem. (Also known as a penguin playground.)

Sources familiar with the transaction say the deal—known in economic development circles as Project Jasper—could be announced later this month. This is a big win for Weeks Robinson, which has been attempting to help transform at least part of Fort Gillem into an industrial campus anchored by Kroger. Both Weeks-Robinson's Forrest Robinson (above) and the Forest Park/Fort Gillem Implementation Local Redevelopment Authority's Fred Bryant declined to comment.

This could be the light at the end of the tunnel for the long-running Kroger DC saga. The other main contender was said to be Majestic Realty and its new industrial project adjacent to Charlie Brown Field off of Fulton Industrial Boulevard. As we reported here, Majestic's Stan Conway (seen here with colleagues Angela Jandoc and Dani Campbell) recently got Fulton County Commission approval to develop nearly 300 acres into a three-building, 2.6M SF industrial complex. Stan did not return calls seeking comment.