Workers are on-site and the excavation process is underway at Campbell Avenue and Grand Street, where Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is building a Neighborhood Market store.
Wal-Mart spokeswoman Anne Hatfield said via email the construction project began May 29, and she estimated the store would open early next year. She said the Neighborhood Market - Wal-Mart’s smaller store concept offering groceries, pharmacies and general merchandise - would employ up to 95.
According to filings with the city of Springfield, a wrecking permit was issued June 3 to Green Bay, Wis.-based Immel Construction. As of 11 a.m., the former Life 360 Church and residences at 444 W. Grand St. and 427–515 W. Normal St. still stood, though the entire area is roped off from the public.
Wal-Mart plans to build a 41,000-square-foot store on the site, according to
Springfield Business Journal archives.
The former church is now owned by a Wal-Mart real estate investment trust, according to the Greene County assessor’s website. The sale had been contingent on approval by the city.
The redevelopment proposal had been the topic of much debate, with opponents calling for a repeal of City Council’s February 2013 decision to rezone the area and make way for the store. In May 2013, council declined to repeal its decision after a petition circulated, instead deciding to send the issue to voters. Life 360 owners then filed suit against the city, claiming the church would be financially harmed by the move. Courts ruled three times in favor of the church and against the petitioners - including now Councilman Mike Schilling - to give Wal-Mart the green light, according to
SBJ archives.
Wal-Mart opened its fifth Springfield Neighborhood Market
in January at 3720 E. Sunshine St.
Reporter Brian Brown contributed to this article.[[In-content Ad]]
