PLOVER, WI (WSAU) — One of the empty big-box retail stores that are currently empty in the Village of Plovercould soon get a new life.
The former Econofoods site in the northern part of the village has been targeted by a yet-unnamed company for a possible retail and light manufacturing hub, according to Village Administrator Dan Mahoney.
“[It’ll be a] mixture of some stores, but also a light manufacturer that would want to use the property,” said Mahoney. “They would start with about 15 jobs, with the hope that over the years they would expand to 30 jobs.”
Mahoney couldn’t identify what company is interested in the site because negotiations are ongoing and the land deal for the site has yet to close but compared them to Precision Glass in the Village of Whiting, where customers can purchase a product that is manufactured on-site.
Village leaders had to get creative to make the location work by declaring it a Planned Development District. Mahoney says that means that the final site plan for the location will become part of the zoning for the area.
“We can tailor what specifically happens on that property to the zoning,” said Mahoney. “For example, we don’t want to see many stores in the area, and we don’t want to see outdoor storage so those are some of the requirements. The developer will also be required to put together a site plan, [which then] becomes part of the zoning.”
The final project would consist of three parcels of land including the Econofoods building and another parcel along Post Road. and another adjacent to the building to the south. “It works well with the corridor, and we think that would be a great fit up on the north end of the Village.”
Mahoney expects the land purchase to be completed in the next two months. Specific site plans for the location could take another two months to complete. If all goes as planned work could begin on the site by years end.
The Econofoods building has been empty for nearly 15 years now.
As for other empty big box stores such as Younkers or Shopko, Mahoney said there is still some interest but nothing concrete at this time.
Other topics Mahoney discussed with WSAU’s Mike Leischner include:
Start of video: New use for the former Econofoods building
4:25- Update on Shopko and Younkers buildings
6:05- New micro brewing company coming to Plover
8:50- Details and schedule of events for Celebrate Plover on Saturday, July 27th.
