12/19/2005
Media Contact:
Steve Campbell, [317] 327-3622
Jo Lynn Garing, [317] 327-3690 |
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Mayor, Wal-Mart announce new SuperCenter in Lafayette Square area
New development will bring 450 jobs to area
INDIANAPOLIS - Mayor Bart Peterson and Wal-Mart executives, joined by neighborhood and area business leaders, today announced plans for a new Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Pike Township near Lafayette Square Mall. The SuperCenter is projected to open in early 2007.
"Wal-Mart’s location in the Lafayette Square area will boost this commercial district and help it rebound," Mayor Peterson said. "Although the area may still face some challenges ahead, this is a good beginning resurgence for this area, and I expect there will be more shopping, dining and other options to follow in the future."
The SuperCenter will employ 450 people, 75 percent of which will be full time positions at an annual payroll of $8 million. The SuperCenter will be located at the area near 46th Street, east of Lafayette Road and south of I-65. Wal-Mart is investing $20 million in the store, and the new store will occupy 203,000 square feet of space.
"Wal-Mart is eager to provide additional support to the Lafayette Road area economy through the creation of new jobs, additional tax revenue, and a well-established charitable giving and volunteer program," said Ron Mosby, regional community affairs manager for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart’s decision to locate in the Lafayette Square area is strongly supported by neighborhood and business groups, including the Pike Township Residents’ Association, Westside Neighborhood Association and Eagledale Neighborhood Association, and the recently-formed Lafayette Square Area Coalition. The Lafayette Square Area Coalition has recently collected more than 700 petitions from area residents and shoppers who support Wal-Mart.
"I am so excited about Wal-Mart entering the Lafayette Square Area," said Mary Clark, president of the Lafayette Square Area Coalition. "I, as well as other business and community leaders, am looking forward to having Wal-Mart join our neighborhood. We know they will be a magnet for other businesses to join our community."
This is another positive step for the Lafayette Square area. For instance, at the request of the Mayor, the City-County Council designated the Lafayette Square area as Indianapolis’ only Community Redevelopment and Enhancement District, known as a "CRED," in 2004. This designation stimulates growth and investment in the district by providing state tax credits for certain business investment.
Mayor Peterson has also taken other steps to improve this area, including making infrastructure improvements along Lafayette Road, 38th Street and Georgetown Road.
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