Construction on Starbucks-Anchored Shopping Center Underway

Construction on a west end shopping center that is to include a drive-through Starbucks is underway.

Walnut Community Development Director Tom Weiner said that the city issued a building permit for the project on Nov. 19 and work on the footings and foundation has started.

Developers expect the project at the northwest corner of Lemon Avenue and Valley Boulevard to be completed in late spring, Weiner said.

"Also, Stabucks has obtained approval for their tenant improvements and will be ready to start that work once the building shell is far enough along," he said.

The Walnut Planning Commission in March approved a conditional use permit for the project, which besides Starbucks is to include retail and office space.

The commission had approved the site plan and architecture for the 7,390-square-foot, two-story building in February. Starbucks had expressed interest but was not a definite at that time.

One of the conditions of approval required the project proponents to get a conditional use permit to operate a drive-thru on site.  The property owner submitted a permit application to build a Starbucks in March, according to staff.

“It’s an attractive center,” Weiner said when the conditional use permit was granted.  “It’s an entry note into the city.  We fully expect whatever uses are in there will complement the Starbucks.”