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Walmart to join Mundelein, leave Vernon Hills
Updated: October 29, 2012 9:02PM
Mundelein — Village officials got an economic break last month when they learned that Walmart plans to build a superstore in town.
Assistant Village Administrator Mike Flynn said Menards announced their departure from Oak Creek Plaza after acquiring a large plot of land across from Target, along Route 60.
“The store Menards has right now is an older style, and a new building would bring a more modern look and sales approach,” Flynn said. “So, I think it’s good that they’re moving across town and building something more suitable.”
While researching the consequences of the move, Flynn said Walmart surfaced as the replacement – which will require a large portion of the shopping center to be torn down.
The Hobby Lobby in Oak Creek will stay and supplement the Walmart.
Flynn said no timetable has been identified, but foresees more commercial growth once both stores make progress in their plans.
During an Oct. 25 special Vernon Hills Village Board meeting, Village President Roger Byrne was discussing revenue when he forecasted a loss of nearly $350,000 in sales tax with the Vernon Hills’ Walmart closing opening of a new Super Walmart in Mundelein.
Walmart spokesperson Daniel Morales would not confirm either the development of a Mundelein store or the closure of the Vernon Hills store.
A lawsuit blocked Walmart’s 2007 attempt to develop land along Route 60 in Mundelein.
Residents of a nearby, unincorporated subdivision claimed a Walmart would lower their property value and unjustly disturb their community, ultimately suing Mundelein and the developer for not providing proper means for public feedback.
The case was tied up in court and the project eventually died, as Walmart later accused competitors of meddling in the project.
