WB Twp. also sees ex-Bob Evans demolished
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WILKES-BARRE TWP. — Hobby Lobby is coming to Mundy Street.
That news was confirmed by Thomas Zedolik, zoning and code enforcement officer in Wilkes-Barre Township, who said the land development drawings and sub-division plans have been approved by the township for the 45,000 square-foot building.
Robert Tamburro, trustee and general partner of TFP Limited — owners of the Arena Hub Plaza — also own the parcel along Mundy Street that once was occupied by Ashley Furniture. The building as one of several destroyed by the June 2018 tornado that ripped through the area.
Tamburro said he has a signed lease for the building, but he could not disclose the name. Reports had been circling that Hobby Lobby was going to locate on the property. Zedolik confirmed those reports on Wednesday. Tamburro said he couldn’t confirm the reports.
Hobby Lobby is an industry leading retailer offering more than 70,000 arts, crafts, hobbies, home décor, holiday, and seasonal products.
Tamburro also said another 6,000 square-foot building will be constructed on the site and will house two retail business. He said he has not yet signed a lease for those storefronts.
Tamburro said construction will begin in April on the 6,000 square foot building and the larger building will commence in August.
Zedolik also said Wren Kitchens will be locating in the space formerly occupied by Babies “R” Us near Panera Bread in the Wilkes-Barre Township Commons area.
In other township news, demolition began Wednesday on the building that housed the former Bob Evans restaurant. Zedolik said a discount tire store will be built in its place.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.