Development under way for Walgreens

Group applying for demolition permits in Moses Lake

MOSES LAKE — After years of discussion, it appears that a Walgreens is closer than ever to arriving in Moses Lake.

"The properties being contemplated are the gas station on the corner, the surplus property being used for Able Construction and the property formerly owned by Charles Jackson," said David Thompson, a member of the Columbia Retail Group and a broker in the acquisition of the property on Broadway Avenue. "Basically, everything to the left of Balsam."

Thompson said that the S.E. Grainger Development Group, the developer of the building, is preparing to apply for demolition permits, but was not certain when the application would be prepared. Calls to development group owner Scott Grainger were referred to Thompson.

"I believe we're projecting a 2006 store opening," he said. Thompson declined to comment on delays for the store, originally projected by the Grainger Development Group to open in the fall of 2004.

When reached by the Herald Monday, the manager of the Lakeside Conoco gas station said that the business would not be pumping any more gas beginning next week, and declined to comment further.

Gilbert Alvarado, community development director for the City of Moses Lake, said that the Walgreens project has been in the works for over a year.

"We have a current building permit that's active," he said. "We're assuming that the project is moving forward based on conversations with the developer. All indicators tell us this is still a go."

Alvarado said the project has been delayed as negotiations continue with the Burlington Northern Railroad, because the project requires acquisition of railroad right of way.

"We do know when (S.E. Grainger Development Group owner Scott) Grainger applied for the site plan review, that indicated that he was purchasing that property," Alvarado said. "And he stated that for the record in front of the planning commission during the planning commission hearing."