Does Largo Need 3 Walmarts?

The world’s largest retailer plans to build three big box stores nearly simultaneously within Largo city limits.

The Missouri Avenue store is relocating across the street and turning into a Supercenter at the former Kmart location.

Another Supercenter is in the works at Roosevelt Boulevard and U.S 19. And a neighborhood market, of similar size, is going in at Ulmerton and Starkey roads.

In all, more than 350,000 square feet of retail space is planned.

More in Store for Ulmerton and Crossroads

The big box stores are not the only plans for development at a couple locations.

The Walmart Neighborhood Market at Ulmerton and Starkey roads also include two more retail buildings and a Wawa on the 11-acre property.

The Walmart Supercenter at Roosevelt Boulevard also includes plans for a 342-unit Gateway North Apartment Complex and a Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority Bus Transfer Station on the approximately 38-acre parcel at what is considered the Largo Crossroads.

Big Box Firsts

Two of the stores, the Missouri Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard locations, are the first to be built under the city’s large scale retail ordinance that was approved in 2005.

The development rules limit the size of the stores to 125,000 square feet.

The rules also mean the stores must have multiple entrances on the building at different sides; parking must be segmented with a mix of walkways; and landscaping elements must be used to break up the parking area.

The Missouri Avenue store is expected to open in early 2014. The other locations are expected to be built and opened thereafter.

So what do you think: Does Largo need three Walmarts? Post a comment below and join the conversation.

Related coverage:

• New Walmarts Are Firsts Under Largo’s Big Box Ordinance
• Walmart Approved for Brownfields Site at Largo Crossroads
• Is Super Target Coming to Midway Shopping Center

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