Sam's Club Comes To Springdale

New Store Could Increase Sales Tax Income, Development

SPRINGDALE -- Residents on the west side of the city will soon be able to shop at a new Sam's Club store.

The Springdale Planning Commission approved the large-scale development plans for a Sam's Club at Tuesday's meeting.

AT A GLANCE

Other Commission Actions

• The Planning Commission approved a large-scale development plan for the Elmdale Elementary School media center and school based health center.

• The Planning Commission approved a large-scale development plan for Harris Labs near Bain Street and Ford Avenue.

• The Planning Commission approved a large-scale development plan for Explore Scientific near Skyler Street and Hailey Avenue.

• The Planning Commission approved a large-scale development plan for Sam’s Furniture near 48th Street and Interstate 49.

Source: Staff Report

Springdale lost a Sam's Club store between 2005 and 2006, said Joel Kelsey, commission chairman. The store moved to Fayetteville when they were unable to get a license to sell liquor in Springdale.

The new store will bring an economic impact with it, Kelsey said. The store that left the city contributed $1 million to $1.1 million in sales tax to the city each year. The store could also help spur more development in the area.

"I think it's just another positive for the city of Springdale," he said.

The store will be on the Southeast corner of West Sunset Avenue and South 56th Street, according to the large-scale development plans. The store will be 139,037 gross square feet.

The store will also have a fuel station on the northwest part of the property, and construction will include the building of two streets, according to the development plans. Access to the fuel station will be off South 56th Street. Access to the store will be off the two new streets, which will be connected to South 56th Street.

The commission also approved a concept of detention and four variances for the store. The variances are for a modification of commercial design standards, an increase to the maximum width of a driveway, modification of parking stalls and modification of an interior landscaping requirement.

Walmart still has to close on the property, said Michael Lindsey, director of public affairs for the company. He didn't know when officials will start construction on the store, because there are still a few details that need to be finished. He said he will have a better idea in a few weeks.

It takes one year to build a Sam's Club store once they have begun construction, Lindsey said.

The store will also comply with the area's overlay district, which has not yet been approved, said Terence Haynes with SMC Consulting Engineers. Stone will be used in part of the store's construction. He called it the "theme" of the area, because it is supposed to look similar to the style of Arvest Ballpark.

Other Walmart-related stores have also opened or are planned for the area. A new Walmart Supercenter opened at the intersection of Elm Springs Road and North 48th Street on Aug. 13, Kelsey said.

A Neighborhood Market is planned for the intersection of Don Tyson Parkway and South 48th Street, said Patsy Christie, city director of planning and community development. That store should be completed in about a year, Christie said.

NW News on 09/03/2014

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