Wal-Mart Might Build Store In Post Falls Plans Are Only Preliminary But Traffic Study To Be Conducted

Wal-Mart is considering building a Supercenter here.

Though the plans are only preliminary, representatives from CLC Spokane, an engineering firm, visited Post Falls last week and met with city Planning Director Gary Young.

“We had an informal trafficscoping meeting to discuss the potential project,” Young said. “We need to look at the impact to major road networks and trips generated by the Wal-Mart store.”

The group discussed preparing a traffic survey in connection with the project that might bring a Wal-Mart Supercenter to a 20-acre site off Interstate 90.

The undeveloped land, owned by Chappy Brugger, is east of the Coeur d’Alene RV Resort, near Pines Road and Mullan Avenue.

While CLC Spokane won’t confirm that it represents Wal-Mart, Young said the engineers told him they do represent the chain.

But Young said that nothing about Wal-Mart coming to town is set in stone. “People want more information, but there isn’t any at this time,” he said.

CLC Spokane said it was asked to do a traffic study for a “large box commercial development.” The firm has worked on similar projects in Post Falls, such as the Albertson’s being built across I-90 from the potential Wal-Mart site.

CLC Spokane will submit a formal application for a site plan review, Young said.

The sale of Brugger’s land is being managed by Stephen Ridenour of Coldwell Banker/Schneidmiller Realty.

Talk of Wal-Mart’s plan is “incredibly premature,” said Gary Schneidmiller, broker and owner.

However, Young said construction could begin within several months, assuming the project clears planning hurdles and gains city approval.

The traffic study is only an initial step toward the project.

The parcel was bought by Brugger’s father in the 1930s. In 1910, the land was the site of a milelong horse-racing track, Brugger said.

Kerri Thoreson, director of the Post Falls Chamber of Commerce, said rumors about Wal-Mart looking for a site in Post Falls have been around since the early 1990s.

“I do know Wal-Mart prefers smaller towns,” Thoreson said. “It’s been Rumorville here. … I believe they’ve had their feelers out.”

This sidebar appeared with the story:

BACKGROUND

Wal-Mart

Sam Walton opened the first Wal-Mart in 1962 in Rogers, Ark. Across the United States, Wal-Mart has about 1,869 discount stores, 564 Supercenters and 452 Sam’s Club warehouses. The company’s Supercenters offer discount merchandise and grocery items.