February 10th, 2010

Super Walmart coming to University Parkway

Walmart Stores Inc. intends to expand its University Parkway store by half and convert it into a Supercenter by early next year, an Ohio real estate firm said Monday.

UNIVERSITY PARKWAY: First announced years ago, the project to expand the Walmart to 175,000 square feet, including a full-service grocery store, will begin next month when work to demolish a former Fashion Bug store adjacent to Walmart begins.

The existing Walmart, at 8324 Lockwood Ridge Road, will remain open during the redevelopment.

“When the center is completed, we think it will be really beautiful, a nice addition,” said Robert Benjamin, a vice president and director of real estate at Heritage Development Co., of Ohio, which owns the University Parkway Shopping Center.

As part of Walmart's expansion, Heritage has built a free-standing Walgreens drug store on the 19-acre site. The new 14,500-square-foot Walgreens, which will include drive-through service, will open within 45 days, Benjamin said.

Heritage also intends to upgrade the 85,000-square-foot center's facade and make parking lot improvements to coincide with Walmart's expansion.

“We plan to tie in the new Walmart and Walgreens with our center with new colors and facade and elevations,” Benjamin said.

“We think we have a real opportunity to continue to serve our customer base in the Sarasota area,” said Michelle Belaire, a Walmart spokeswoman.

Walmart acquired land from Heritage for its expansion last month, Belaire said.

The retailer's expansion has been planned for years. The company first submitted plans for the expansion in late 2006.

“It's been a long time in coming,” Benjamin said. “In the end, it's worked out well for them and us.”