Walmart ready to start moving dirt on Randall Road

Earthmoving and excavation soon will come to the southwest corner of Randall and Bowes roads in Elgin as the city has approved a new Walmart after several years of discussions.

The 177,577-square-foot superstore will anchor a 76-acre development that also will include a future Sam's Club and other restaurants on surrounding outlots.

Mayor Ed Schock said the city will offer $8 million in sales tax rebates to help Walmart pay for some $11-plus million worth of improvements at Bowes and Randall that are required by Kane County.

He said it would be "economically unfeasible and unreasonable" to have Walmart or the city cover the entire bill. He said the development would produce $40 million in sales tax over the next 15 years, and that takes into account a dip in receipts for some other area stores.

"This is a very, very large return to the city of Elgin, one that's returned to us fivefold," he said. "This is a good day for Elgin, a good day for Walmart and a good day for our citizens."

Walmart expects to add 75 to 100 employees to the 225 already at the current Walmart store in Elgin, while Sam's Club will have about 175 workers.

The city initially annexed the land on the city's west side back in 2006; construction is expected to be completed by fall 2011.

Gyata Kimmons, Walmart senior manager of public affairs and government relations, said the company does not have a proposed size mapped out for the Sam's Club store yet and is eager to build in Elgin.

"We're really excited," Kimmons said. "As long as we can break ground this summer, we should be able to finish by next fall."