Walgreens proposed for downtown Concord

Connolly Net Lease LLC will host multiple public design planning sessions this spring for the company’s newly proposed Walgreens at the corner of Cabarrus Avenue and Church Street.

Concord City Council members Jan. 10 unanimously voted to accept the developer’s $300,000 bid to purchase the vacant, two-story Heilig-Meyers Furniture Co. building. Built in 1929, it will have to be demolished so Connolly can adhere to standards set by the city of Concord and the Concord Downtown Development Corporation.

Funding at this point is anticipated to be mainly private, said Kathleen Okrongley, president of Connolly. However, if Connolly or another developer doesn’t purchase and develop the property, tax money could be used to tear down the building.

“We’ll take into account the surrounding architectural characteristics and the insightful contributions of those who attend (the planning sessions), which will include local business owners, design professionals and neighborhood groups who express an interest in the design of the project,” Okrongley said.

City officials and downtown leaders say the proposed development will give downtown a boost. The proposed Walgreens would be open seven days a week, offering access to various supplies and services.

The proposed store will be roughly 14,000 square feet. Connolly plans to put focus on the store’s landscaping and architectural elements, so the building will match the character of downtown Concord.

If all goes as planned, Okrongley said construction could start this fall with the store opening in spring or summer of 2014.

“We have been actively working to recruit a drugstore to Historic Downtown Concord for almost a year,” said Diane Young, executive director of Concord Downtown Development Corporation. “Our discussions have been with independently owned establishments ... We are pleased that Walgreens would desire to establish a downtown Concord location and believe it is an indication that downtown Concord has many qualities that are enticing to new, strong, potential businesses.”

Officials had approached locally operated Cannon Pharmacy and Moose Pharmacy, but neither was interested in the project.

Connolly has asked for a 180-day inspection period to examine and conduct tests to verify that the property is suitable. The deteriorating building has a leaky roof and several other structural issues. The Concord Fire Department has labeled the building a “No Interior Fire Attack,” so firefighters know not to enter if it’s burning.

Connolly Net Lease, founded in 2007, focuses on the development of build-to-suit and net lease opportunities with Walgreens and other retailers in the Southeast, according to the company’s website.

“There are several things that need to be finalized but, so far, I feel good about chances that this will become a reality,” said Concord Mayor Scott Padgett. “Having new investment in downtown is a validation that investors see the progress that we have made in making downtown a viable economic area and they want to add even more.”