JANESVILLE — A West Court Street parcel purchased by a developer soon could become the site for a major retailer.
Sara Investment Real Estate bought Wisconsin Turf Equipment Corp. at the southeast corner of Court and Arch streets from Lyle Christopherson.
Sara President Eric Schwartz would not identify the proposed tenant with whom he is negotiating. Schwartz said the Wisconsin Turf buildings will be demolished and new construction could start early next year. He hopes the new tenant opens for business by August.
Sara has several other redevelopment projects in Janesville. It recently bought the Helgesen Building in downtown Janesville and announced plans for its rehabilitation.
Wisconsin Turf opened in 1956 as a full-line distributor of commercial turf maintenance equipment, fertilizer and seed. It sells, services and supports products in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.
Christopherson said Wisconsin Turf will move before the end of the year.
“I’m looking at a couple of projects,” he said. “I’d like to stay in Janesville, if possible.”
Because of the nature of his business, Christopherson said Wisconsin Turf doesn’t need frontage on a busy street such as West Court.
“What they’re talking about will be very good for the west side,” he said. “It’s the kind of store that will pull people into the area.”
That’s exactly what organizers of the Westgate Business Corridor have been working toward for several years. The coalition of residents, businesses, property owners and community leaders has been working to promote the city’s west and south sides.
“This development will become an anchor that sets up future developments in the area, especially to the east,” said Steve Scaccia, president and chief operating officer of Freedom Plastics and the originator of the Westgate effort.
Scaccia said other projects are in the works. The most immediately recognizable is the demolition of the former Hardee’s across Court Street and the construction of a new auto parts store.
Scaccia praised Sara for its investment initiative and Christopherson for his decision to sell his property.
“After 50 plus years in business, it would have been a lot easier for him to just stay where he is,” Scaccia said. “I know it was a difficult decision for him to make, but I truly believe he made the decision he did with the best interests of the west side in mind.”
Gale Price, manager of city building and development services, said a traffic study likely will be needed, as development of the property is expected to increase the number of left-hand turns off Court Street.
A conditional use for the property also will be likely, he said.