By Jennifer Tangeman
Community leaders gathered Friday to officially break ground for a project that has been years in the making.
Skip Kuker, president of Logansport-Cass County Economic Development Foundation, joined Mayor Mike Fincher and Walmart representatives at a ceremonial groundbreaking at the future store’s site on Mall Road.
“In this economic climate it’s a big positive for Logansport and Cass County,” Fincher said. “This is a culmination of a lot of work, and we are always excited to have new business move in.
“We should never let economic times dictate the vision or focus for our community.”
Jason Wetzel, Walmart’s senior manager of public affairs in Indiana, said if all went as planned, the store should be open by September.
Wetzel commended Kuker, who has been working on the project for more than four years, for his enthusiasm and perseverance.
“Skip has been a cheerleader, of sorts,” Wetzel said. “He really has the community’s best interests at heart.”
Triangle Associates has been contracted to build the 150,000-square-foot store.
“This is one of 20 Walmart projects we are completing in the Midwest,” Triangle construction manager Steve Johnson said. “We look forward to using local materials and a local work force.”
Larry Whitlow, who oversees 10 Walmart stores in the area, provided specifics for the $10 million supercenter. He said the store would include new building features such as wide aisles and low counters to provide a more customer-friendly atmosphere.
Environmentally friendly portions of the store include skylights and motion censors to save on lighting and electricity costs and concrete floors created from recyclable materials.
Amenities, Whitlow said, include a vision center and full-fledged grocery store.
“This store alone will add just over 100 new jobs,” Whitlow said.
Brian Shafer, president of the Cass County Chamber of Commerce, said the new Walmart is proof that Logansport is progressing.
“It will give a morale boost to people and businesses,” Shafer said. “And show that there is progress. We’re moving forward.
“We’ve had member businesses anticipating this for a long time, and the increase in traffic flow that Walmart will bring to the area. They are prepared to captivate that increase in traffic flow.”
Fincher said the groundbreaking showed the resilient character of Logansport.
“This shows the spirit of don’t give up,” Fincher said. “Our community is about not giving up, and working hard. This will be an asset to our community.”
• Jennifer Tangeman is a reporter for the Pharos-Tribune. She can be reached at (574) 732-5148 or jennifer.tangeman@pharostribune.com.
