New Walmarts Are Firsts Under Largo's New Big Box Ordinance

Largo's large scale retail ordinance was adopted in 2005, but two current proposed Walmarts are the first big box stores to be developed under the new regulations, Planner Thomas Wojtkiw said.

The locations for the proposed new super Walmarts are on North Missouri Avenue at the site of current K-mart, and in the Largo Crossroads area by U.S. 19 and Roosevelt, Wojtkiw said.

Both stores are being developed with the city's large scale retail ordinance, said Wojtkiw.

The ordinance limits the size of the big box store to 125,000 square feet.

The regulation requires multiple entrances on the building from different sides. Parking must be segmented with a mix of walkways and landscaping breaking up the parking area.

Walmart representatives showed proposed plans for the Missouri Avenue North store at a recent neighborhood meeting. The exterior color scheme is earth tones like cobble brown, rockwood clay, oak creek and lotus pod, according to the plans.

"The treatment of the facade is so the store doesn't look like a box. ... It makes it look more residential," a Walmart spokesman said.

The new Missouri Avenue North store has a target grand opening date of early 2014, a Walmart spokesman said.

Related Coverage:

• New Bus Transfer Station Planned for Largo Crossroads
• New Walmart Coming to Missouri Avenue in Largo

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