Former Kmart could be something neighbors don’t want

A prime piece of real estate in La Crosse apparently has a buyer ready to move.

Without revealing who, La Crosse’s city planning department affirms it’s close to a deal on the old Kmart property on State Road within a couple of weeks.

What will it turn into? The city wants a mixed-use development but city council member Gary Padesky, who represents the area, says that’s not what the neighbors want.

“I wanted to see something like a Target,” Padesky said. “Personally, everybody in this neighborhood, we really miss K-mart, just for that type of store.

“I don’t know if they really want the small shop stores. They kind of a one stop shop like Kmart was.”

Padesky, however, does agree a mixed-use development, most prized by planners, is likely the best choice for the city in the long term.

“Smaller shops with apartments on top,” Padesky said.

Kmart, which opened in 1965, closed last September. The eight-acre property has been assessed at $4.4 million. The city has yet to reveal the potential buyer;.