Renovations begin on former Kmart building
LAKEPORT, Calif. — Work is underway to transform the building that previously housed Kmart into space to house new stores.
On Wednesday, construction workers were busily stripping the facade off the building, removing the Spanish-style tiles and other materials. By that point, the large red Kmart letters already had been removed.
The Kmart store was shuttered at the end of 2019 after more than 20 years in the 90,852-square-foot building, located at 2019 S. Main St.
The city of Lakeport’s consultant, The Retail Coach, has been working since the store closed to help bring new retailers to the site, and last year the company confirmed that new tenants were lined up.
At its Dec. 14 meeting, the Lakeport Planning Commission approved an application from Upward Architects, a Tempe, Arizona-based commercial architecture firm, for a use permit and an architectural and design review for a new commercial project at the building, as Lake County News has reported.
Upward Architects’ plan is to subdivide it into three lease spaces and to increase the building’s height from 29 feet to 32 feet.
So far, two tenants are confirmed — Marshalls, a department store, and Tractor Supply Co., which offers housewares, equipment, tools, food for pets and livestock.
The plans presented to the commission in December called for Tractor Supply to occupy the northern portion of the building and Marshalls the southern space, with a third tenant to occupy the central portion of the structure.
City Associate Planner Victor Fernandez told Lake County News that Tractor Supply has submitted their building permits and is currently working on interior demolition/remodeling, sewer and water line expansion, as well as sidewalk expansion.
“They have also made progress with their fire alarm permits and are expected to commence exterior facade improvements in the near future,” Fernandez said.
Fernandez said Tractor Supply also has submitted a permit for a 35-foot free-standing sign, as well as a smaller monument sign that will serve the shopping center and its tenants.
As of Wednesday, Marshalls had not submitted any plans. “Hopefully, they can get started soon,” Fernandez said.
Fernandez said the project is tentatively scheduled to be discussed at the June 14 Lakeport Planning Commission meeting.
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