Work is underway to transform a recently vacated east-side Galesburg grocery store into a proposed multi-use facility that would include a restaurant, gaming machines and a laundromat.
According to information obtained by WGIL through a Freedom of Information Act request, plans have been submitted to the city by the property owner to renovate the former Sav A Lot at 900 E. Main St. in June.
Sav A Lot closed in June, is vacant, and currently still listed for sale.
The city issued a commercial building permit on Jan. 5 to Jesse Singh of Rock Island. The permit request says the applicant plans to divide the building at 900 E. Main St. into three separate units at a cost of $35,000.
A contractor has been observed working at the former grocery store and work has started on new interior walls that will divide the property.
Site plans obtained from the city show the property being divided into three units — all with store fronts and entrances on the north side of the building facing Main Street.
The far east unit would include lease space for dining and six gaming machines in the front, and a kitchen in the rear of the building. The middle unit is listed as lease space for open retail. And the unit to the west is proposed as lease space for “laundry.”
Singh declined to comment on the project, telling WGIL he will provide details “in about three weeks.”
The property has been listed for sale by Mel Foster since Nov. 3. The description says: “15,000 sq ft commercial building site on 2+/-acre lot with ample parking and signage.” The asking price is $700,000. The listing agent, Thad Denhartog, confirmed to WGIL that the property is still for sale.
At the Feb. 5 City Council meeting, Galesburg aldermen approved an ordinance to remove the liquor license from Save More (formerly Save-a-Lot). City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz said the city elected to remove the license because the business was no longer in operation.
If Singh decides to reopen the retail side, or sell/lease that portion, he can reapply for the liquor license (Class C).
