Walmart development offers space for more retailers

The developer of the Black Hills Center has reconfigured its site plan so it can offer space for more, smaller retail stores and restaurants around the Walmart under construction at Fifth Street and Catron Boulevard.

THF Realty originally proposed a 27,000-square-foot "mini-anchor" adjacent to a 19,000-square-foot retail strip, all north of Stumer Road and east of the new Walmart.

Now, THF plans to build one 33,900-square-foot strip center with as many as 15 storefronts, said Justin Brockman, who is handling leasing for the property from his Denver office.

"We've gotten overwhelming demand from retailers smaller in size, so we wanted to accommodate them," Brockman said.

About half of the space in the strip center has been committed to, Brockman said, and some tenants might take more than one storefront.

He declined to name any of the signed tenants, but said there would be a mix of new names and second or third locations for businesses already in Rapid City.

Plans for 14 parcels surrounding the city's second Walmart and the strip center haven't changed. Brockman said three parcels in particular have seen interest from tenants. Tenants might include retailers, fast food and full service restaurants, medical offices and hotels. Separately, on land not owned by THF, a bank and a gas station are planned at the corner of Fifth and Catron.

Construction on the strip center will be finished in May or June, giving tenants time to build out their shops so then can be open when Walmart opens in August and be ready for the back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons, Brockman said.

But the entire development could take several years to complete.

"It's important to have the right tenant mix that's going to be a complement to the community and the project. You want to make sure you can accommodate users when they're ready for the site."

He said interest should pick up more now that Walmart itself is under construction.

"We're excited to be doing business in Rapid City, and we are excited to become a part of the community with this project," Brockman said. "We're committed to making the best new retail project in Rapid City."

Contact Barbara Soderlin at 394-8417 or barbara.soderlin@rapidcityjournal.com.

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Walmart development offers space for more retailers