Batavia Walgreens, McDonald’s look at new downtown site

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Updated: January 29, 2012 2:34AM

BATAVIA — Planning is under way for a new Walgreens and McDonald’s on West Wilson Street in downtown Batavia.

The Historic Preservation Commission has recommended approval of the demolition of 122 W. Wilson St. — the former Swanson’s Hardware store that closed in 1999 after 53 years. In the last five years, the building has been home to Prairie Path Cycles bicycle shop, which this week relocated to a nearby storefront in the Batavia Plaza commercial center.

Batavia Enterprises has also submitted building and streetscape plans for a new 14,490-square-foot Walgreens store with a pharmacy drive-through.

The retail pharmacy giant for the past two decades has leased 12,650-square-feet of storefront space at 138 W. Wilson, within the commercial center. Batavia Enterprises built the shopping center in 1962.

Drew Rackow, Batavia city planner, said the plan incorporates 22 parking spaces that front West Wilson Street, which irked some aldermen interested in seeing an end to the “sea of parallel parking” in the downtown when the concept plans were unveiled last summer.

“The parking will be discussed as the plans follow the review process,” Rackow said.

Rackow said Batavia Enterprises and McDonald’s have been working to coordinate their driveways across the street from one another on Wilson Street.

Rackow said the building design is for Walgreen’s standard look but incorporates limestone from the old bowling alley that was demolished on First Street three years ago. The design features four arched glass windows and an entryway tower that peaks at 35 feet.

McDonald’s has submitted plans to demolish its 6,180-square feet store and build a slightly smaller 4,039-square foot restaurant with a “double” drive-through.

The hamburger giant has been modernizing its newer stores by removing the plastic look. In Batavia, it proposes a façade of limestone cultured stone and face brick. The store has been moved closer to Wilson Street to account for the drive-through lanes and there is additional landscaping.

Rackow said the Walgreens and McDonald’s will follow the same review process in the months ahead.

“We are glad to see two long-time anchors of the downtown are looking to recommit to being in downtown Batavia — this is a lot of activity for the downtown,” Rackow said.