Politics & Government

Walgreens Receives Approval From Planning Board

The pharmacy chain wants to move into the former Borders location on Woodward Avenue. Plans now go to City Commission for final approval.

The proposed Walgreens project for Woodward Avenue received the stamp of approval from the Birmingham Planning Board Wednesday night, bringing the pharmacy chain one step closer to moving into the former Borders location.

The board voted unanimously in favor of the pharmacy's plans 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. 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.

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Walgreens plans to transform the nearly 30,000-square-foot space, with an upscale pharmacy on the first floor and Walgreens' regional headquarters housed in a second-floor office space. There would also be a drive-thru lane for the pharmacy on the building's east side.

Hours for the pharmacy, including the drive-thru lane, would be limited to 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Sunday, Walgreens representatives said, addressing a resident's written concern with a 24-hour drive-thru.

Find out what's happening in Birminghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Walgreens also met several of the board's initial requests Wednesday night, though pharmacy representatives refused to add an entrance to the store off Woodward Avenue — as requested — citing safety concerns.

Despite their concerns — multiple planning board members noted they were initially dismayed at the idea of bringing another drugstore to town — several board members admitted they were impressed with Walgreens' plans to transform an empty building lacking in architectural interest.

"You're giving a win for you," planning board member Carroll DeWeese said. "You're giving a win for the city. You're giving a win for everyone."

Walgreens' plans now move onto the City Commission for final approval.

Stay tuned to Patch for more on the Planning Board's approval of Walgreens' plans.


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