Lake Forest Walmart Begins Expansion

By this time next year, Lake Forest residents will have a wider range of in-town grocery shopping options.

More than two years after the project won city approval, the expansion and remodel of the Walmart store in Foothill Ranch is getting under way.

The approximately 40,000 square-foot addition to the store will bring a full grocery section, including meats, dairy and a bakery, bringing the square footage of the store to a grand total of about 176,000 square feet.

Construction will begin Oct. 3 at the store, which is expected to remain open throughout the entire process.

"It is extremely exciting for the associates and the management team at the store, but mostly I think its exciting for our community," said Gail Bell, manager at the Foothill Ranch store.

Bell, who said she has been working at Foothill Ranch shopping spot for 10 years, recalls customers asking her a decade ago when the store would be expanding.

Now, she said, they're asking when the construction will wrap up.

The Towne Centre Drive retailer plans to celebrate its overhaul with a grand-opening ceremony in August 2012, she said.

Walmart's decision to begin work on its planned expansion is a positive sign for the Lake Forest community, said city Assistant City Manager David Belmer.

"We’re very interested and anxious for them to get started," he said. "It's another example of private investment in the city of Lake Forest and the most recent sign that Lake Forest is a community worth investing in."

In addition to the expansion, the existing Walmart building will simultaneously undergo a revamp.

No public roads near the store will close as a consequence of the construction, said Ron Santos, senior city planner.

However, the retailer is planning to install an underwater stormwater detention system, so portions of its parking lot will shut down during that part of the construction, he said.

"Essentially what Walmart is saying is they're here for the long haul," Belmer said. "We're always excited and pleased when companies decide to invest further."