A major renovation project, costing slightly more than $2.5 million, is planned for the Wal-Mart Super Center in Thomson, The McDuffie Mirror has learned.
Project plans viewed by the newspaper last week at the McDuffie County Planning Commission Office, however, don't specify when renovations will begin or when they are expected to be completed. Plans for the project have been coming into the local planning office for the past three months, according to James Norman, McDuffie County building inspector.
Contacted on Monday, management personnel with the local Wal-Mart Super Center referred all questions to store media representatives at Wal-Mart headquarters in Bentonville, Ark. As of press time, there had been no official comment from Wal-Mart representatives.
Mr. Norman described the upcoming construction project as "a massive undertaking." He indicated that it would involve general remodeling and is expected to cost a total of $2,588,000 according to figures released by those affiliated with the project.
"It's really going to be a big, big project out there," Mr. Norman said. "From everything I've seen so far, it appears that it's going to give the Wal-Mart here a brand new look. I'm sure it will look really nice once it's completed."
Plans for the Wal-Mart Super Center project are being prepared by CMA Architecture, Planning and Interior Design in Fort Worth, Tex. Bruce M. Carlson is listed as the architect.
The remodeling of the store, according to Mr. Norman, will involve installing new flooring, a new curb appeal and some layout changes. One of the biggest layout changes will involve the store's pharmacy. It will be shifted from its current location closer to the store's general merchandise entry doors, Mr. Norman said.
The majority of the new flooring will be vinyl composition tile, plans reveal. Entry ways into the store also will be tiled.
Cosmetic permits have yet to be approved for the project by local planning officials.
"Everything appears to be in order, so there shouldn't be a problem about the permits getting approved," Mr. Norman said.
New signage also is planned for the outside of the store building. The new signage will highlight the store as being for market and pharmacy, home and living and outdoor living.
