Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
Construction at the Sherwood Plaza shopping center and former Kmart building on Wabash Avenue includes plans for Binny’s Beverage Depot, Outback Steakhouse and Burlington Coat Factory, according to regulatory filings by the property owner. A city zoning commission this week unanimously recommended approval of the first phase of the project.
“They’re ready to go. It’s close to a $20 million investment when you consider the external construction, new buildings and interior work,” said Ald. Joe McMenamin, whose Ward 7 includes the property.
The Springfield Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved plans for a Binny’s Beverage Depot package liquor store in the former Staples store space. Chicago-based Binny’s also has stores in Bloomington and Champaign.
Meanwhile, construction fences have gone up around the former Kmart building pending final approval of renovation plans. Kmart closed in December, and Staples closed in February.
Messages left with property owner Seritage Growth Properties were not immediately returned Friday, but the company indicated in its most recent earnings report that Binny’s, Outback Steakhouse and Burlington Coat Factory would be among early tenants in the renovated Springfield center. The company previously indicated Outback and Burlington would be in addition to existing Springfield locations, though specifics have not yet been announced.
The company plans to expand the Kmart space and to construct two standalone retail buildings on the Kmart frontage property. City zoning administrator Matthew McLaughlin said plans for Binny’s Beverage Depot should go before the Springfield City Council on July 11. Additional permits would be needed for the remainder of the project.
The former Kmart and Sherwood Plaza are at one of the city’s busiest retail intersections and just south of White Oaks Mall. McMenamin said it was important to fill the Kmart and Staples spaces quickly at a time when there is a surplus of retail and commercial space in the city.
“It’s a good sign for Springfield,” said McMenamin. “We have the lowest unemployment rate (in Illinois). Just imagine how much better things would be if we had a state budget.”
McMenamin said company representatives in Springfield for Wednesday’s zoning hearing indicated construction would take several months.
Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 