Plans underway for former Lowe’s and Kmart buildings in Los Banos

The city of Los Banos confirmed new plans for an empty building that used to house a Lowe’s Home Improvement store on Pacheco Boulevard.

The 140,000-square-foot building, which has been empty since Lowe’s closed its doors in November 2011, will be remodeled into a five-tenant retail building by the new property owner, according to the city’s Community and Economic Development Department.

The first secured tenant is Fitness Evolution, a fitness club with locations in Merced, Fresno and Modesto. Fitness Evolution will take 25,000-square-foot space, and construction is expected to be complete by mid- to late June.

Stacy Souza Elms, a senior planner with the city of Los Banos, said the Sacramento-based property owner, Ethan Conrad Properties, is working on another “big tenant” for the building. Names of other businesses that move into the suites will be announced once leases are signed, she said.

“Residents of Los Banos will see the building go through a facelift,” Souza Elms said. “It will look more like a retail strip.”

Plans for the building were first announced on the department’s Facebook page, where residents asked for businesses such as Chuck E. Cheese, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Souza Elms said the most requested stores from local residents are usually Costco and Ross.

Officials say retailers moving into the area is a good sign. More businesses in the former Lowe’s building would be a plus for local economy and for the vitality of the west side of Los Banos.

“It means economic development is turning around,” Souza Elms said. “We see it happening in the residential market, and now the commercial market is starting to pick up. We’re optimistic about the future.”

Last month, the Kmart building on Mercey Springs Road, which closed in October, switched over to a new a property owner, Souza Elms said. As of now, the plan for the former Kmart building is to be divided among two or three retailers. Souza Elms said the city and property owner are currently working with Caltrans and Union Pacific Railroad to secure a driveway off Highway 152. Agreement from potential tenants is contingent upon that access, she explained.

Recently, a 10-lane bowling center with an arcade and laser tag was also approved. The bowling alley is making headway and expected to start operation in March.

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 2:09 PM with the headline "Plans underway for former Lowe’s and Kmart buildings in Los Banos."