February 22, 2007
Wal-Mart Publishes New Plan - Same as the Old Plan
Wal-Mart has released its new plan for a supercenter at NorthCross Mall. As we predicted (see comment 25), the primary changes are that the revised store is marginally smaller and will be closed from 1 to 5 a.m. Sadly, the overall suburban plan has not changed. As we also predicted, the "upscale" exterior feature is Austin-cliché limestone block.
The primary opposition to this project has stemmed from concerns about traffic and concerns about Wal-Mart as an organization. We are more concerned about the fact that the design propogates the suburban lifestyle in an area we would like to see convert into an urban center. It looks like that conversion isn't going to happen yet. Perhaps by the time Wal-Mart abadons this location for a new spot, the area will be ready to embrace urbanity.
Image from Middough Architects
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Well, I too would like to see Northcross converted into an urban center. Sadly, I don't see how that's going to happen, considering it's situated at a major automobile transit intersection and is surrounded by low-density neighborhoods.
"Perhaps by the time Wal-Mart abadons this location for a new spot, the area will be ready to embrace urbanity."
BWAAAAAAAAA HAAAAA HA HA AHA AHHA HA HA!
They have a legally binding permit to move forward. Any interference by the City would subject Austin to a multi-multi-million dollar inverse condemnation case. It's going to be built -- and soon.
That artists rendering of WalMart looks like BookPeople.
I think it looks like a Crate and Barrel from the outside. But it'll look like a Cracker Barrel from the inside.
Native Austinite,
It may be built now, but as is the trend w/ big box stores, it'll probably only be built to last 5 years or so....and then they'll abandon it and build a bigger abomination someplace else.
What's worse than the building they're proposing?The empty version of this same building.
I'm sorry, did you just say that big-box retailers only have a 5 year business model?