Walmart is planning to develop a Walmart Express convenience store and gas station at the intersection of Airline and Old Hammond highways, on property at 9745 Airline Hwy. that will connect to the company’s 40,000-square-foot Neighborhood Walmart supermarket at 9830 Old Hammond Hwy.
The development is significant for a couple of reasons. Walmart Express is a relatively new concept for the retail giant, and this will be just the company’s second in the local market. Additionally, the convenience store and gas station will give the Neighborhood Walmart coveted access to Airline Highway.
The Walmart Express, which will include an 1,800-square-foot convenience store and eight fuel pumps, will be developed on two adjacent parcels of Airline Highway property. One is currently leased to a used car dealership; the other is the former site of a Mrs. Winner’s Chicken and Biscuits restaurant. Walmart has signed a 20-year, ground lease for the property with Giovanni Mucciacciaro Enterprises. Terms of the lease are $84,000 a year for the first 20 years, with increases every five years thereafter.
Mark Hebert of Kurz & Hebert Commercial Real Estate, who represents Giovanni Mucciacciaro Enterprises, says the deal is a good one for Walmart because of the location and the access it will give the company.
“They have signage and full access and entryway to their Neighborhood Walmart grocery store,” he says.
Walmart has applied for permits with the city-parish Department of Public Works. Before construction can begin, the existing structures on the property will have to be demolished.
—Stephanie Riegel
