Despite Concerns, Walgreens Heading to City Commission in February

They were reluctant at first, but ultimately, plans for an upscale Walgreens at the former Borders location on Woodward Avenue won over all seven Planning Board members last week, sending the plans forward to the Birmingham City Commission.

The to move into 34300 Woodward Ave., which housed Borders until as part of its bankruptcy and liquidation proceedings in September.

with the building's landlord in October. Company officials originally came before the Planning Board on Dec. 14, looking for final site plan approval and a special land use permit. At that time, pending more information.

According to City Manager Bob Bruner, commissioners will vote at their Jan. 23 meeting whether to set a public hearing about Walgreens at their Feb. 13 meeting.

The plan

• The space Walgreens would occupy is close to 30,000 square feet. The property is zoned business-residential and is part of the Triangle Overlay District.

• The first floor would be occupied by the pharmacy, while the second floor would house offices for Walgreens' regional headquarters, as well as storage space. A drive-thru for the pharmacy is planned for the rear (east-facing elevation) of the building. Drive-thrus are only permitted in the Triangle District with a special land use permit.

• The pharmacy would use the same entrance as Borders, with doors facing the parking lot. Planning Board members wanted a pedestrian entrance facing Woodward; however, Walgreens representatives and architects refused, citing safety concerns.

• Hours for the pharmacy would be 8 a.m.-10 p.m., consistent with other Walgreens locations. The drive-thru would be open no later than 10 p.m. The store would be occupied by employees, however, from 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

• There would be parking for 142 cars in the parking lot, 21 fewer spaces than currently exist. There would also be parking for 16 bicycles near the entrance. Vehicular access to the parking lot (from Woodward, Haynes and Worth) would not be altered.

• The site is located at the heart of the Triangle District Urban Design Plan, which envisions realigning Worth Street by providing a connection to Bowers Street and creating a new open park space — Worth Plaza. These projects, included in Phase 1 of the Triangle Plan, require adjoining property owners to donate the required right-of-way. Walgreens representatives said they would be willing to provide the necessary land for the projects, which likely would cut through the northeastern corner of the parking lot. 

• Walgreens representatives are working with city staff to come up with a plan to add some kind of windows to the east-facing elevation, a two-story expanse where there are currently no windows.

The feedback

Several Planning Board members admitted to being initially hesitant about Walgreens' plans, noting they weren't excited to see another drugstore come to town.

"I was at first disappointed in Walgreens," said board member Gillian Lazaar. "What need do we have for another drugstore? But I would commend them for improving the store design and taking a building without architectural prestige and making it look nice."

Board member Carroll DeWeese noted that "no one was happy with a drugstore coming in," and he would have preferred a business with more of a regional draw.

"But you've gone above and beyond what's being asked of you," he said, pointing out that if development of the Triangle District continues, Walgreens could be sitting on a "gold mine."

For board member Bryan Williams, it was the regional headquarters, coupled with a national retailer downstairs, that attracted him to the plans.

"It's going to be the only one of its kind in the city," he said.

Despite an initial scuffle with Walgreens representatives over the question of east-facing windows, board member Berk Koseck said what Walgreens is trying to accomplish with the building — which was constructed before the Triangle District Plan was drafted — is admirable.

"I'm going to compliment you guys that you're doing a lot to improve this building," he said. "You're making a huge investment here ... you're going to be here for a long time."

What do you think?

In November, if they thought Walgreens should move into the old Borders location. Out of 37 respondents, 54 percent said, "No. Another kind of business would fit better there. Do we need more drugstores?" while 35 percent insisted, "Yes! Anything to fill that empty space."

Now that plans have moved through the Planning Board, what do you think?