Walmart Moves to Acquire Former Kmart Site in Eureka

BREAKING: Walmart is reportedly in urgent discussions to acquire the former Kmart property located at 4325 Broadway in Eureka, California. This development comes just days after Humboldt County’s plans to purchase the property were abruptly halted, according to documents obtained by the Lost Coast Outpost.

Emails show that a deal with Walmart was reached late yesterday afternoon in October, as confirmed by John McNellis, a partner at McNellis Partners, the firm currently owning the property. “We came to terms with Walmart,” McNellis stated, hinting at the complexity of finalizing such a significant transaction. He urged Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery to keep the information confidential.

This property, which spans 8 acres and includes a 54,958 square foot retail building, most recently housed Papa & Barkley’s cannabis facility. The market value of the site is estimated at $5,950,000, a figure previously cited during county discussions. The county had sought to convert the site into a “One Stop Permitting Center” to enhance its planning department’s efficiency.

In a surprising turn of events, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors had already approved a budget request for the property back in September. However, as the sale discussions with Walmart progressed, the county abruptly withdrew its plans during the Eureka Planning Commission meeting, indicating a significant shift in strategy. The planning department was instructed to delay discussions indefinitely, attributed to Walmart’s pending agreement.

While specific plans for the site’s future remain unconfirmed, preliminary zoning discussions suggest Walmart may be looking to establish a grocery store at this prime location, which lies near the South entrance to Eureka via U.S. 101. Walmart currently operates an anchor store on the northwest side of the Bayshore Mall, further indicating the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in the area.

In response to inquiries, Walmart spokesperson Charles Crowson stated, “We’re always looking for opportunities to better serve our customers and communities,” but did not provide additional details regarding the acquisition.

The urgency surrounding this potential sale is palpable, as it could reshape the retail landscape in Eureka. With the community anticipating new job opportunities and services, many residents are eager to learn what Walmart’s plans entail for the local economy.

As this story develops, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on the finalized agreement and what it means for the future of the former Kmart site. The implications for local employment and services could be significant, making this a critical development for the Eureka community.

For continued updates, follow our coverage as more information becomes available.