Alton’s Tire Planned On Newport Highway

When Duane Alton opened his tire store at 7777 N. Division 18 years ago, he remembers there was nothing but a scrapyard and open fields around him.

Now Alton sees the same growth pressures on the once out-of-the-way area north of Northpointe along Newport Highway.

Alton has purchased 8.2 acres north of the shopping center at Hawthorne Road. He expects to build a tire store on 2.2 acres and sell off rest. Among the possible retail uses are sporting goods, furniture or auto parts.

Alton said his North Division store is “maxxed out; we need more room.” Added Alton: “We’ll be talking about downtown Northpointe pretty soon.”

Along with Alton, Wal-Mart has been eyeing the same area, according to Walter Knopp, a retiree who owns 33 acres north of the new Hico.

Knopp said Wal-Mart needs at least 18 acres and wants property already approved for retail space. The discount giant is hoping to build a 160,000 square-foot store with parking for 1,000 cars, according to Knopp, who said he is in a position to know because Wal-Mart has made him several offers for his property.

There has been no deal, he said, because Wal-Mart is not willing to pay him what he thinks it’s worth.

“I told them, ‘You guys are trying to rip me off,”’ said Knopp, who bought the land in 1965.

, DataTimes