Home Depot Inc. development.

A near $2 million land deal is launching a retail project in southwest Little Rock.

Home Depot USA Inc. of Atlanta bought the 12.2-acre site on Mabelvale Plaza Boulevard from Mabelvale Plaza Phase II LLC, led by Rick Ashley.

The property previously was used to help secure a 1995 mortgage of $3.15 million held by Pulaski Bank & Trust of Little Rock.

The land is part of a 85.4-acre tract assembled by the Ashley family's Conservative Development Co. in deals with Agnes Martin and Marilyn Garner, 44.4 acres for $1.62 million in September 1992, and with Billy Jane McGourik Bussa, 41 acres for $1.03 million in March 1992.