Kmart demo makes way for Meijer building

Kmart demolition underway to make way for Meijer in 2019

Mentor City Councilman at large Ray Kirchner said it seems like yesterday that he and other Planning Commission members were finalizing plans for a Super Kmart at 9200 Mentor Ave.

Now the 24-year-old building is being demolished to make way for a Meijer store.

“While our Kmart era is ending, the Meijer’s (era) will be beginning,” he said. “And, sadly, a lot of dedicated people lost their jobs, but I’m hoping that (Meijer) will be able to fill that void and then some.”

Meijer is anticipated to employ about 250 full- and part-time people, though the building footprint will be smaller at about 159,000 square feet.

Demolition of the 211,000-square-foot Kmart recently got underway behind an expansive chainlink fence. Signs warning visitors of surveillance cameras are posted at various places to ward off trespassers.

The 23-acre parcel was purchased by Meijer Stores Limited Partnership for $7.5 million in 2015, and Kmart closed in December 2016.

“Super Kmart was the first retail ‘dinosaur,’ ” said Ronald M. Traub, Mentor economic & community development director. “I witnessed the birth and death.

“The site won’t be vacant very long; (Meijer) will begin construction almost immediately.”

The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based chain focuses on grocery and pharmacy items, while offering some general merchandise. Some space on the site is being reserved for a potential 24,000-square-foot retailer, but no user has been identified.

Meijer also is seeking potential in-store tenants. Some Meijer lessees at other locations include healthcare providers, banks, Starbucks and Ben’s Soft Pretzels.

The store is scheduled for a 2019 opening, most likely late spring, early summer, said spokesman Frank J. Guglielmi.

“We will announce an exact opening date about 60 days prior to the store opening,” he said.

In October, the Planning Commission approved the final site plan for the store after project representatives agreed to enhance noise abatement and other stipulations.

The company operates 235 supercenters and grocery stores throughout the Midwest, with seven more opening this year, Guglielmi said. The nearest stores are in Sandusky and Mansfield.

The website indicates that it offers a “one-stop shopping” experience and has evolved to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, garden centers and electronics.

“While our Kmart era is ending, the Meijer’s (era) will be beginning.” — Mentor City Councilman at large Ray Kirchner

BETSY SCOTT — THE NEWS-HERALD Demolition of the former Mentor Super Kmart is underway.