A proposed Gainesville retail center inched closer to reality Tuesday as Gainesville City Council members heard a report recommending the annexation of 68 acres near Interstate 985 off Limestone and Jesse Jewell parkways for the development. The center — which would include some 400,000 square feet of commercial space, 200,000 square feet of nearby office space and about 300 multifamily residential units — was requested by Pacolet Milliken Enterprises. The city’s Planning and Appeals Board, which makes recommendations on annexations to City Council, unanimously endorsed the proposal during its May 8 meeting.