Committee backs re-tenanting plan for Timmerman Plaza; Restaurant Depot proposed for part of former Walmart site

The Zoning, Neighborhoods & Development Committee recommended approval of an ordinance change Monday to permit a wholesale-distribution tenant to occupy about 50,000 square feet of the former Walmart building at 10330 W. Silver Spring Drive. The change implements part of a larger plan to re-tenant and reinvest in the vacant big-box site in the Second Aldermanic District; the applicant told the committee Restaurant Depot would occupy roughly one-third of the building and use existing loading docks on the east side of the property.

Why it matters: Timmerman Plaza was rezoned as a Detailed Plan Development (DPD) to allow a Walmart years earlier; Walmart closed in 2023. The proposed ordinance revises the DPD permitted uses to allow a larger wholesale/distribution use than the code currently permits in the LB1-focused zoning. Supporters said the re-tenanting and reinvestment will revive a long-vacant building, align with the city's comprehensive plan goals and stabilize a major commercial corridor.

Public comment and process: City Plan Commission and DCD staff reviewed the proposed substitute and recommended approval; the local alderman signaled support. The committee's approval sends the ordinance to full council. Implementation will include site improvements, a front façade retail entrance for public access by Restaurant Depot customers and new wall signage to be permitted through the detailed plan process.

The committee's action was unanimous and moves the project to the council for final approval; DCD and the property owner will return with permit-level details for loading operations, signage and public access as the project advances.