South City OKs Lowe's

Plans to demolish three of the four buildings on the 600 block of Dubuque Avenue and replace it with Lowe's were unanimously approved by the South San Francisco City Council Wednesday. The proposed home-improvement center will include a one-story 124,051 square-foot building, a 24,698 square-foot garden canter, a small seasonal outdoor sales area and parking for 665 vehicles.

The proposal comes just weeks after the city approved a 101,171-square-foot Home Depot store down the street.

Councilman Mark Addiego wasn't a fan of Home Depot but had complimented its efforts on creating a big store that didn't look like the typical box. Last night he reconsidered his previous comment.

"We heard from your arch nemesis last time and I complimented the architect on his work. But I'd like to take back the compliment. If I could I'd give you the prime spot and give Home Depot the hole under the bridge," he said.

Councilwoman Karyl Matsumoto and Vice Mayor Rich Garbarino said they were both pleased with the project. The project was praised for raising the standards for design within the city.

Lowe's presented a project that looks like many different corporate offices rather than the traditional big box design, said Nadel Retail Architect representative Martin Mendez. The building was designed to mimic the look of the surrounding buildings.

The customer loading and unloading zone will feature a canopy with vines growing around it. Eventually it will produce a green screen to the area, said Mendez.

The entire area will be heavily landscaped. The city requires one tree per 12 parking spots. Lowe's will have one tree for about every three parking spots creating a heavily forested look.

The project will bring 150 to 180 jobs to the city, said Site Development Manager Anthony Farmand. A majority of those positions will be full time and Lowe's will give a hiring preference to South City residents.

The two new stores will bring in an additional $400,000 in sales tax and $69,305 in property taxes annually.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.<