Walgreens, which is hoping to build a new store on the Edmonds Way property currently occupied by Robin Hood Lanes, has released plans for a “Wellness Center,” the first Walgreens store of its kind in Snohomish County.
The fate of the store will be determined by City of Edmonds Hearing Examiner Phil Olbrechts. He is expected to issue a decision in the next few weeks following a June 14 hearing on whether an application to build a Walgreens and a bank on the Westgate-area property meets city and state building and environmental requirements.
Seven Hills Properties is under contract to purchase the bowling alley property at 9801 Edmonds Way, with the deal scheduled to close in six to nine months. The developer proposes to subdivide it into two lots and build an approximately 14,490-square-foot Walgreens with a single drive-through lane and a 3,373 square-foot-bank with three drive-through lanes. Site work will include installation of approximately 19 parking spaces on the newly subdivided property, landscaping and pedestrian access.
Walgreens spokeswoman Natalie Quick said the new $3-million store, if approved for the site, will focus on “comprehensive health care, wellness and prevention,” with a modern store layout that includes fresh produce, soft lighting and wider aisles. The store will create 25 to 30 permanent store positions and Walgreens will interview all bowling alley employees who are interested in working there, she said.
“Our vision is to bring holistic wellness solutions to residents and families in Edmonds and we felt this new store model would fit well within the Edmonds community,” added Bruce Phillip, district manager for Walgreens’ Seattle North Division.
Opponents of the project have been conducting letter-writing campaigns and organized a “Rally for the Alley” protest earlier this year.
I believe that the H.E.’s decision is expected to come in the next few days, as he said at the hearing that he should have it in two weeks from the 14th.
I will NOT shop at the Walgreen’s if it is built in place of the bowling alley. I am completely happy with both Bartell’s and with the QFC pharmacy. They will not lose my business.
I’m with you Patricia! I will give Bartell’s my business and buy my “fresh produce” from PCC!
I would like to see some form of family entertainment there. New bowling alley? We are losing, everywhere, family entertainment centers. We have parks, but not much in the entertainment industry for families. A theatre? Or meeting facilities. Why do we need another pharmacy? We lost 3 a few years back because people weren’t using them. I would think that our mayor and council w/ Edmonds Chamber could possibly put their heads together and create a list of business’s we “need” in the area. Or is that a concern?
Bartell’s has just finished a beautiful up-grade, and their helpful employees have my vote. We do NOT need another pharmacy here. I agree with Joy. We need places for family entertainment. Let’s get creative and think of something DIFFERENT that would attract families…something like a Third Place Books.
I’m curious to know what a “comprehensive health care, wellness and prevention” focus looks like along with fresh produce. My major concern is how it will affect the traffic flow along SR 104 (Edmonds Way) as this area is already congested with traffic. Ron, do you have any information as to how the H.E.’s is addressing this issue?