The Kmart store on Washtenaw Avenue in Ypsilanti Township may be closing, but the building won't be empty for long.
Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo says Plano, Texas-based home decor chain Garden Ridge is ready to move in.
"The fact that someone came in and asked for a sign permit is a good sign, no pun intended," Stumbo says. "We look forward to this new company coming in, hopefully it will be very successful and will hire the people from Kmart to work there."
Kmart is nearing the end of an "everything must go" sale, with the expectation that the store will close sometime this month.
The Garden Ridge website says the company has more than 65 stores in over 20 states. The nearest stores are on Mercury Drive in Dearborn and on Utica Park Boulevard in Utica.
But how about the former Farmer Jack and Ypsi-Arbor Lanes properties?
Stumbo says the township has gotten some nibbles on those properties, but she has learned not to get too excited too soon.
As Ypsilanti Township considers development options, it's working with other Washtenaw Avenue corridor communities to provide an inviting, walkable atmosphere.
Find more about the Garden Ridge retail chain here: http://www2.gardenridge.com/