Wal-Mart to turn store into area's 1st Supercenter

San Diego Business Journal, March 24, 2008 by Mike Allen

Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, stands to build the county's first Supercenter here following the City Council's rejection of an appeal contesting the expansion of an existing store March 11.

The project approved by the Planning Commission in February calls for adding 28,000 square feet to the Wal-Mart store, to bring the total to about 154,000 square feet. The expansion would give Wal-Mart more room for groceries in addition to its apparel, housewares and other dry goods.

When the University Drive store was approved in 1992, the city authorized a development site plan that permitted the construction of up to 157,145 square feet.

The project was appealed by the law firm of Latham & Watkins LLP, which declined to reveal its client. The firm claimed that the city did not require the retailer to conduct new environmental studies.