Sorry Stow, Menards Signs On in Cuyahoga Falls

Sorry Stow, even though , chances are the business isn't coming to Stow now that the big box store is opening in Cuyahoga Falls. 

Some more bad news, Mayor Sara Drew said she's heard from a credible source that the No. 1 option in the Patch poll, Trader Joe's, isn't interested in expanding to the greater Akron-area. 

or leave a suggestion in the comments section for the vacant Stow plaza. 

Menards, a Wisconsin-based, home improvement retailer, will join Giant Eagle and act as the second anchor store in the much-anticipated  in Cuyahoga Falls, said Robert Stark, CEO of the Stark Enterprises, during Monday night's Cuyahoga Falls Committee meeting. 

The "prototypical" design calls for a two-story, 236,000-square-foot facility, which, formalities aside, will be situated at the northern end of the 28-acre parcel off State Road and Portage Trail, he said.

Menards, centered in 13 midwestern states, sells building materials, hardware, electrical, millwork, wall coverings, plumbing and housewares, and features an outdoor garden center, according to Menards.com.

Monday's news follows last week's announcement .

With the newest acquisition, Stark said 91 percent of the 400,000-square-foot, $60 million project has been leased.

Before construction begins on Menards and Giant Eagle, Falls City Councilman Jerry James said each new big box store will most likely go through the Planning Commission and City Council to review design plans and receive final approval.

Stark Enterprises is set to break ground this June. The one-phase construction plan has a projected spring 2014 completion date.