WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioMenards plans construction of new store off Route 82

Menards plans construction of new store off Route 82

BAZETTA TOWNSHIP, Ohio - A Wisconsin-based home improvement retailer has plans to set-up shop off of Route 82 in Bazetta Township.

Township trustees hosted a welcome party for Menards on Monday after revealing that the business is in the process of purchasing the site of the former Walmart store on Elm Road.

Menards is geared to both the beginning do-it-yourselfer as wells as professional contractors. The retailer sells a variety of tools, lumber and building materials.

"From our standpoint, the existing population density in the area is sufficient to support one or perhaps even another Menards store some point down the road," said Tom O'Neil, Menards real estate representative.

O'Neil says they plan to demolish the current building and construct a new store from scratch. The store is expected to cost between seven and eight million dollars, take up 275,000 square feet and bring 150 full and part-time jobs.

While it's just one exit west of some of its competitors, township officials agree the store can thrive and possibly bring more opportunities down the road.

"The turnpike allows us a great opportunity to grow as long as the utilities, meaning sewer and water, continue to grow in this area," said Michael Mills, Bazetta Township Zoning Inspector. "I'm sure that will be something very attractive to this company."

The potential of benefits from the shale industry is just icing on the cake for Menards. O'Neil says they've examined the local economy and are confident their Elm Road store will be successful from the start.

Menards operates 270 stores in 13 states, including Ohio. O'Neil says the company's growth in the greater Cleveland area and northeast Ohio is a part of its plan to become a household name in the home improvement business.

"The next growth opportunity for us is some of the larger cities in Ohio, a little further away from our existing stronghold of stores," O'Neil said.

Demolition of current structure on the property is expected to begin later this year with construction of the new store beginning in June of 2013.