The land has been zoned for a strip mall for a 234,000-sf shopping center for five years, but no tenants have committed to the center, according to city planners. Wal-Mart plans to build a 204,000-sf facility on 23 acres. The supercenter concept includes the traditional Wal-Mart discount store with a grocery, all under one roof. If the rezoning is approved by the city council and permits are obtained, construction would begin as early as late spring or early summer.

Wal-Mart officials say they will make improvements to the landscape and be sensitive to issues regarding noise, sight and traffic concerns, which have been raised by local residents hoping for a smaller, neighborhood center. However, Wal-Mart officials point out the land has been zoned commercial for five years and commercial use is part of Overland Park's master development plan.

A Wal-Mart supercenter is also being built at 135th Street and State Line Road in Leawood, KN. A supercenter is already open at 135th Street and Blackbob Road in Olathe, KN. Sam's Club, a Wal-Mart warehouse club chain store, is being built at 135th Street and Antioch Road in Overland Park.