Plans for Falls Walmart Again Back on Front Burner

Nearly two months after a developer withdrew plans for a Walmart at Lisbon and Pilgrim roads, the retailer once again has its eyes on Menomonee Falls - only at a different location this time.

Gatlin Development Co., which builds Walmarts around the country, is asking the village to revise its comprehensive plan for about 12 acres of land from Pilgrim Road to Rozanne Drive. This includes property west of restaurant to Pilgrim Road, not including .

The developer wants the comprehensive plan changed to allow the property to be used for commercial purposes, rather than mixed use and residential. The Plan Commission will take up the request on Tuesday.

Village Manager Mark Fitzgerald said the developer plans to revamp the existing strip mall, and build a series of new commerical and retail developments along the front of Main Street. The new commercial buildings would be more in line with the location of , Fitzgerald said.

“It’s taking that current strip mall and updating, and changing it for a more modern look and feel,” Fitzgerald said. “The plan includes all new landscaping and commercial buildings along Main Street.”

Fitzgerald said the total number of new businesses, and specific types of businesses, remains unclear.

However, Fitzgerald said Walmart still plans to anchor the center with a new Walmart Neighborhood Market  development.

He said the developer plans to raze the vacant Piggly Wiggly, W156N8480 Pilgrim Rd., and rebuild a new modern facility. Fitzgerald said the new Neighborhood Market would be similar in size to Piggly Wiggly, which is about 40,000 square feet.

Walmart Neighborhood Markets are smaller-scale grocery stores with an average size of approximately 42,000 square feet. The stores feature a full grocery selection, deli and bakery sections, a drive-through pharmacy and a one-hour photo department. There are about 182 stores like these across the country, and each employs about 95 people.

According to village staff, Gatlin has yet to submit a formal proposal for the potential development. Community Development Director Matthew Carran was not in his office Monday.

In recent months, the village has reviewed concepts to redevelop the Pilgrim Village Shopping Center and adjacent theater, according to a memo in the Community Development Department. An ordinance to amend the comprehensive plan would allow the development to move forward.

In February, Walmart and Gatlin with the village to build a at Pilgrim and Lisbon roads. Lisa Nelson, a spokeswoman for Walmart, said the company pulled back the request after getting feedback from a neighborhood meeting.

The Plan Commission will meet at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Village Hall, W156N8480 Pilgrim Rd., to discuss the amendment and could reccomend approval to the Village Board.

The commission also has scheduled public hearing at 6:30 p.m. May 10 regarding the proposed amendment.