Geer Road may be filling two major vacancies in 2012. The old Longs Drug Store space at 2405 Geer Road has a building permit in review and the old Mervyn’s space at 2480 Geer Road is going through a Minor Discretionary Permit process with the City of Turlock.
The previous Longs Drug Store space at 2405 Geer Rd. has been vacant since June 2010. The building permit on file is for the Tenant Improvements that will be done for new tenant, Fallas Discount Family Clothing Store. Fallas currently has a location at 751 Golden State Blvd. that is undergoing a closing sale to prepare for the move.
Fallas staff indicated that the space at Golden State is small compared to the national company’s usual store size elsewhere. The current space is approximately 10,000 square feet and the new space is right at 27,000 square feet. With the added space, Fallas will be offering more merchandise and variety for their customers.
The plan submitted is in the plan review process and will likely require additional items for revision. Once the plans are reviewed and approved by each department, the project (permit) will be ready for issuance. In addition, to the building permit, the Fire Department requires a separate permit for modifications to the fire sprinkler and alarm systems.
Inland Western MDS Portfolio, LLC has submitted a Description of Development Project to convert the previous approximate 61,000 square foot Mervyn’s space at 2480 Geer Rd. into a potential grocery store which requires a Minor Discretionary Permit for the sale of food and beverages. The potential tenant has not been named by Inland Western MDS Portfolio, LLC.
As part of the Minor Discretionary Permit process, neighboring property owners must be notified of the potential change and given an opportunity to ask questions or express their concerns. Since the potential use calls for 24/7 operation, there have been several calls from neighboring property owners about the project after the City of Turlock sent out letters to the neighbors. Therefore, the project will be taken before the Planning Commission for a public hearing.
The approximate 61,000 square foot store will primarily focus on grocery sales, including dry groceries, produce, dairy, bakery, and fresh and frozen meats. The store may also have a pharmacy and over the counter drug sales. Finally, the store may have some general merchandise sales, including but not limited to, paper goods, pet food and supplies, infant and toddler goods, home cleaning and care, cosmetics and automotive.
Changes to the existing building will require a new 10’ x 50’ masonry enclosed bale and pallet area, enlarged openings for the two existing loading docks and new exterior building lights. In addition, the project will have new refrigeration equipment and rooftop HVAC units which the company plans to use sustainable products for the most energy and water efficiency.
To hear more about this project, the City of Turlock Planning is working on a presentation for the December 1, 2011, Turlock Planning Commission meeting at 7pm in City Hall.