A sign tells drivers to find an alternate route as the Taco Bell service drive will be closed where a new Walmart will be constructed on Old Jacksonville Highway. (photo by Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

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Tyler soon will be home to seven Wal-Mart stores, as the company unfolds plans to bring three new locations to the city.

The large retail and grocery store chain filed building permits for a supercenter at 450 South Southeast Loop 323 and two neighborhood markets, each at 5976 Old Jacksonville Highway (Farm-to-Market Road 2493) and 2151 Frankston Highway (Texas Highway 155).

That brings the city’s tally to four supercenters and three neighborhood markets, the chain’s smaller, grocery-only offering.

The seven stores equate to one Wal-Mart store for every 14,300 residents in the city.  

“That’s all good news for Tyler,” Tom Mullins, executive director of the Tyler Area Economic Development Council, said. “That means our growth is attracting that kind of interest. I think you will see more of that as we continue to grow and attract more population.”

Company officials did not return phone calls or an email on Tuesday, but according to the city of Tyler’s Planning and Zoning Department, all of the construction permits were filed within a month. 

None of the three new locations will receive tax incentives to come to town. Mullins said retail outlets do not qualify for tax abatement.

 

Old Jacksonville location

Construction is underway on the neighborhood market and gas station planned at 5976 Old Jacksonville Highway, near the intersection of Grande Boulevard. The building permit for the store was approved on May 14.

“We’ve been told they’d like to have it open by the first of the year,” realtor Don Simmons, with Genecov Group, said.

 

Frankston Highway location

The neighborhood market planned for 2151 Frankston Highway, at the intersection of Texas Highway 155 South and Earl Campbell Parkway, also will include an adjoining gas station, according to the building permit.

The location and building plans are under review by the city’s zoning department, but a clearing permit has been granted for the land.

 

South Southeast Loop 323

Plans for Tyler’s newest supercenter, proposed for 450 South Southeast Loop 323, near the intersection of Texas Highway 31 East and Loop 323, have been in the works since 2012.

The Wal-Mart company was involved in the city election that year to bring beer and wine sales to the area. The property purchase was contingent on alcohol passage.

Currently, the city is waiting for plan revisions and additional paperwork from the company to move forward, according to Tyler’s planning and zoning records.