Lowe’s could be open by summer

By Staff
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
The idea of Lowe’s coming to Hartselle took a giant step closer to reality this week.
Hartselle’s Planning Commission approved the home improvement store’s site plan at its Tuesday meeting. And while Lowe’s officials have not made an official announcement yet, Mayor Dwight Tankersley said barring any major problems, the deal is done.
Groundbreaking on the store is expected to take place later this month, following the completion of the property purchase. The store will be open by late summer.
Lowe’s is planning to build a 139,000 sq. ft. store on Highway 31 in Hartselle. The store will be north of the Slate Security Systems manufacturing plant.
Lowe’s will spend some $12 million to build the store and it will employ 120 people, mostly in full-time positions.
“It’s going to be a boost for our revenue steam,” Mayor Dwight Tankersley said. “It also gives us another large retailer that helps stabilize our retail stream and brings shopping opportunities to our citizens. It’s also a great addition to our existing businesses which have served us well.”
Based on figures from Lowe’s, Tankersley said he estimates the store will have yearly sales of around $9 million.
The city is currently working on an incentive plan for the retailer. Tankersley said the plan will be similar to other ones developed by the city and will include mainly infrastructure work. The incentive plan will be introduced at the Jan. 29 council meeting.
Hartselle’s Lowe’s store will be the smaller of the retailer’s two floor plans. All of Lowe’s stores have the same size garden center and offer appliances and home improvement and building supplies.
The first word of Lowe’s plans came in October, when the Board of Zoning Adjustments approved two variances for the site. The site was zoned for light industrial development, but the board voted to allow a variance for a larger building and sign at the property. The variance request was made by McWhorter Properties of Anniston, which handles several Lowe’s Developments in the state.
Lowe’s officials remained mum, however, until this week. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s posted 2006 sales of $46.9 billion and serves some 13 million customers a week at its 1,475 home improvement stores located in 49 states and three Canadian stores.
It’s also involved with charitable causes such as Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, United Way and Home Safety Council.