Walmart on track
Partially hidden from view, the new Merrill Walmart Supercenter at Hwy. 64 and Pine Ridge Ave. is quickly taking shape.
“Construction is underway and we anticipate unveiling the new store next spring,” said Walmart spokesperson, Rachel Wall. “The new Merrill Walmart Supercenter will provide our customers with Walmart’s everyday value on merchandise while also delivering fresh and affordable food options. The new Merrill store will offer a complete grocery department – including a bakery, deli, dairy, frozen food, a meat department and fresh produce.”
With the new store, Walmart will increase their Merrill workforce, Wall added.
“Our current associates will transfer to the new, upgraded store and early next year, we will hire for approximately 50 new positions needed to staff the larger store,” she said.
Wall indicated that Walmart will vacate the current store, making it available for a new occupant.
“Next year, the current Merrill Walmart location at 3500 East Main Street will be sold to make way for another business,” she said.
The 119,500 square foot super center facility is being constructed on approximately 22 acres of land east of South Pine Ridge Ave. Along with the store itself, Walmart will be making a number of infrastructure improvements in the area, per a development agreement with the city.
With regard to sewer improvements, Walmart is required to deposit $40,000 in an escrow account with the city to pay for 800 feet of 8′ sanitary sewer to be installed to the south city limits along South Pine Ridge Avenue to facilitate future development to the south of the Walmart property.
The agreement also includes specifications for the extension of Pine Ridge Avenue along the western boundary of the Walmart development.
Walmart will construct approximately 1,000 feet of meandering sidewalk on the south side of East Main Street from Eagle Drive to the new store.
The agreement also addresses the marketing of the current Walmart store. At least once every 60 days, Walmart is required to provide a report to the city administrator detailing their efforts to sell, lease or reopen the original store.