Aiming for a March 2002 opening, a group of Home Depot architects said construction of the 116,000 square-foot store proposed for Albert Lea will begin in less than two months – probably sometime in mid July.

Wednesday, May 30, 2001

Aiming for a March 2002 opening, a group of Home Depot architects said construction of the 116,000 square-foot store proposed for Albert Lea will begin in less than two months – probably sometime in mid July.

Speaking at Tuesday’s city council meeting, architects Jennifer Maxwell and Chet Harrison explained the store’s features, layout and construction schedule. Developer John Chadwick, owner of the property where the store will sit, thanked the city for putting the Home Depot project on the fast track.

&uot;The level of cooperation we’ve received on this whole undertaking has been tremendous,&uot; Chadwick said.

&uot;Throughout the process, when we asked questions, we got prompt answers. I’m looking forward to doing more business in the community in the future.&uot;

Based on the recommendation of the city planning commission, the council approved a final plat for the Chadwick Marketplace development, clearing the way for summer construction of the giant home-improvement store. Though a final development agreement between Chadwick and the city has not been reached, City Manager Paul Sparks said the parties are in agreement and simply waiting for final construction bids.

&uot;There doesn’t appear to be any issues with the development agreement,&uot; Sparks said, adding that final construction costs and assessments should be available by the end of June.

Sparks said the city will advertise bids for construction of two access roads and the extension of utilities to the Home Depot site at an estimated cost of almost $1.5 million. Home Depot will pay for about $640,000 of the cost. Future stores and developments in the area will also have to pay a share of the improvement costs.

The council also approved zoning changes and a conditional-use permit to allow the project to stay on schedule. The permit sets ground rules for the project’s site plan, landscaping, utilities, lighting and parking.

Sparks said the permit requires that construction be completed by October of 2002, but Home Depot hopes to have it open by March.

The store would occupy a 16-acre site south of County Road 46 just west of I-35. Store representatives said a typical Home Depot employs as many as 200 people, depending on the season, at an average wage of about $10 per hour.