We are learning more about the potential future for the former Kmart property at the corner of Highway 26 and West 27th Street in Scottsbluff.
During a recent conversation, Rockstep Capital President Andy Weiner confirmed to KNEB News the company that purchased the property, Scottsbluff KM Redevelopment, LLC, is a Rockstep subsidiary.
Weiner tells us Rockstep has been interested in the property for quite some time. “We’ve been trying to buy this property for five years, and we were successfully able to purchase it in December,” said Weiner. “We plan some national restaurants and retailers. Part of the Kmart building will probably be demolished, (but) it depends on some of the tenants who are interested.”
He characterized the demand for the property as ‘significantly strong’, especially among potential national restaurant chains, similar to those seen in locations such as Cheyenne.
Weiner says Rockstep officials are already working with the City of Scottsbluff to bring their plans to fruition. “The city is working with us to put together some (economic development) structures to help redevelop that property, it’s in pretty rough shape,” said Weiner. “It’s a good location, but the parking lot and the building have had better years.”
Given the condition of the property, as well as the need to develop plans and secure redevelopment financing, Weiner told KNEB News it would likely take somewhere between two-and-a-half and four years for changes to take place on what’s considered by many one of the prime business locations in the community.
