Lowe's store could come to Wasilla

MAT-SU -- The Valley could be getting a new source for purchasing home and garden items, but store management won't say when.

Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse has filed an application for a conditional use permit with the Wasilla Planning Department. Although company management declined to comment on the possibility of building a store in Wasilla, the city of Wasilla has confirmed that Lowe's plans to build a 116,000-square-foot store on the site of the old Homesteader's store, currently owned by Spenard Building Supply.

"Lowe's has a corporate policy not to publicly discuss possible new store sites until we purchase the property," said Jennifer Smith, a Lowe's representative. "I can't specifically say what is happening in your area, but I can say that [the company's] real estate department is looking at 100 or so possible sites across the country."

According to a press release from the city of Wasilla, Lowe's representatives have been working with the city for several years looking for the right location for their store. Traffic concerns have played a role in the site selection of the store. Wasilla has been working with Alaska Department of Transportation and a Lowe's representative on traffic issues and Wasilla Mayor Dianne M. Keller recently met with DOT Commissioner Mike Barton to request a traffic light be installed at Hermon Road. Keller said she will also request that the Wasilla City Council consider constructing a new portion of the Sun Mountain frontage road.

"Public safety is my number one concern," Keller said. "Because of Commissioner Barton and Lowe's representatives, we were able to reach an agreement that works for everyone."

Lowe's is a Fortune 500 company that employees more than 130,000 people worldwide. Lowe's has been in business for 58 years, and is the world's second largest home improvement retailer and the nation's 14th largest retailer, according to the company. Currently there are two Lowe's stores in Alaska, both located in Anchorage.

Contact Jen Ransom at jen.ransom@frontiersman.com.