Conditions right for Menards?

Final plan back before Planning Commission after extension expires

“Menards was not able to apply for the building permit within the timeframe, therefore re-approval was necessary.” — Ronald M. Traub, economic and community development director

The Mentor Menards project is back.

Back for a final site plan review after multiple delays. Mentor Planning Commission on Jan. 18 will review a revised final site plan for the 185,000-square-foot home improvement and building materials supply store proposed — for the last several years — at 9600 Diamond Centre Drive.

The project initially received final site plan approval in April 2015. However, about a year later, developers sought — and were granted — a six-month extension.

“Menards was not able to apply for the building permit within the timeframe, therefore re-approval was necessary,” said Ronald M. Traub, Mentor economic & community development director. He added that a significant architectural change was made to the exterior.

“The use of tan split-face block has been substituted for the precast concrete panels, which reduces the monolithic appearance of a very big building.”

The project still includes roadwork to improve traffic capacity along the corridor.

“Menards will extend the right turn lane on Diamond Centre

Drive from its current terminus near Burger King to the Emerald Court intersection, which is about 500 feet,” Mentor Engineer Dave Swiger said. “That work is expected to move forward this year.

“An additional turn lane on Diamond Centre Drive at the Heisley Road intersection is also part of our Capital Plan and is currently budgeted for next year.”

The site is on the south side of Diamond Centre near Gander Outdoors.

In December 2014, the

Commission approved the preliminary site plan for the retailer with conditions. In February 2015, City Council approved a development agreement with Menards, including the provision that the city install a traffic signal at Diamond Centre once the level of service at the intersection is warranted.

The agreement limits any future retail development to 24,000 square feet within the Menards site and requires a traffic impact study for any new development south of the store. It also prohibits access through the property via Painesville Township without the approval of the city of Mentor.

Land was cleared for the business in 2012, but project representatives postponed it, citing economic conditions and federal government restrictions. The economic and political climate caused their request for an extension in spring 2016.

Along with home-improvement items, most Menards carry appliances, pet products, lawn and garden supplies, and some groceries, the website says. The Eau Claire, Wisconsinbased chain has more than 300 home improvement stores across the country. The nearest location is in Warren.

The store will employ about 120 people.