(KCPW News) After years of planning, a controversial Walmart opened for business on Friday on Parleys Way in Salt Lake City. Walmart purchased the property in 2005 from K-Mart, but the company faced zoning and other public challenges while getting the new 113-thousand square foot store up and running. Walmart Spokeswoman Delia Garcia says the company was limited to remodeling the inside of the building, which was built in 1968, after its rezoning request was denied by the city.
“We’ve redone the building so that it can fit our customers and serve our customers, said Garcia. “We’ve done things like include LED lights in the signage and in the freezer cases so it can be as energy efficient as possible.”
Salt Lake City Council Chair Soren Simonsen, who represents the area where the Walmart sits, was a strong opponent of the company’s request for rezoning. But, now that the retail giant is using the existing building, he says he the store could benefit the neighborhood.
“I’m glad that Walmart has been able to put some life back into the old K-mart building it certainly has spruced up the building and the site quite a bit,” said Simonsen.
Simonsen adds his goal was to create a walkable commercial district in that area, but that plan ended when Walmart bought the property.
The new store will be open 24 hours a day and will create 200 new jobs.
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