Grand Island Rumor Mill

Padre · Post by **Padre** » Sun Nov 01, 2020 6:15 pm

Chipotle is indeed moving into the old Firehouse Subs location.

https://kearneyhub.com/news/state-and-r ... f5d98.html

Yankeesnick · Post by **Yankeesnick** » Sun Mar 14, 2021 11:35 am

Anyone heard what is going into the old Ruby Tuesday’s building

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Tue Mar 16, 2021 11:44 am

Yankeesnick wrote: Sun Mar 14, 2021 11:35 am Anyone heard what is going into the old Ruby Tuesday’s building

I'm hearing that Riddles Jewelry is relocating to that building.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Mon Mar 29, 2021 10:21 pm

Just a few more additions coming to the GI area:

Sportsman Warehouse will be moving into the former Fresh Thyme location.
Also announced was Huddle House. It's only other Nebraska location is in York.

Have I missed anything?

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Mon Mar 29, 2021 10:23 pm

Candleshoe wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 10:39 am The recently closed S Locust Amigos will reportedly become a semi locally owned rib joint.

I've been to ByPi a couple times. The bbq is decent.

socaln8v · Post by **socaln8v** » Fri Apr 02, 2021 8:27 am

I've seen a comment in a Facebook group that Starbucks is opening a second store that will be on South Locust in the Bosselman offices parking lot. Anyone confirm or deny? Thanks

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Wed Apr 07, 2021 9:33 pm

socaln8v wrote: Fri Apr 02, 2021 8:27 am I've seen a comment in a Facebook group that Starbucks is opening a second store that will be on South Locust in the Bosselman offices parking lot. Anyone confirm or deny? Thanks

I don't know for sure, but the population base would have to support it. I personally don't see a second location coming unless a kiosk opened in a grocery store.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Wed Apr 07, 2021 9:35 pm

I was snooping around on the Grand Island Assessors page. Looks like the lot just north of Discount Tire just recently sold in January to a KAYTON GRAND ISLAND, LLC. The LLC was formed out of Seward, NE. Anyone have any idea what is being developed?

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Tue May 25, 2021 10:19 am

New youth sports center announced

https://theindependent.com/news/local/ ... 2520Alerts

Post by **nebugeater** » Sat Jun 19, 2021 6:01 pm

Wine Beer and Spirits, THe industrial-sized alcohol store that has moved into the Toys R Us in Omaha and then in Lincoln will be opening a store in Grand Island. Saw a Billboard along Hwy 275 between Valley and Waterloo that listed their locations and said a new location coming soon. Checked their Web site ahs its GI. Anyone know where? Is there an empty Toys R Us in GI?

https://www.winebeerandspirits.com/locations

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Tue Jun 22, 2021 5:55 pm

There's no empty "Toys-R-Us" buildings in GI. The only free standing large building I can think of right now that's closed would be the old Gordmans.

GI has three pretty decent liquor stores in HyVee, Tommy Gunz and SF Liquor Mart, plus the two SuperSaver stores have decent selections for grocery stores, so I don't see a compelling need for a superstore, but if I still lived there I would sure check it out.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Sat Aug 07, 2021 9:28 pm

I heard some murmurs about Cornhusker Toyota. Sounds like they have til the end of the year to submit plans for renovations otherwise they will be closed down.

Honestly this doesn’t surprise me. The building is old and compared to other auto dealerships is well outdated.

Other murmurs were that Woodhouse Auto may be looking to move to town.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Thu Aug 12, 2021 7:51 pm

Just saw a temporary sign for this place at the old Gordmans Store.

nebugeater wrote: Sat Jun 19, 2021 6:01 pm Wine Beer and Spirits, THe industrial-sized alcohol store that has moved into the Toys R Us in Omaha and then in Lincoln will be opening a store in Grand Island. Saw a Billboard along Hwy 275 between Valley and Waterloo that listed their locations and said a new location coming soon. Checked their Web site ahs its GI. Anyone know where? Is there an empty Toys R Us in GI?

https://www.winebeerandspirits.com/locations

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Fri Aug 27, 2021 5:58 pm

Welcome IHOP TO northwest commons right alongside 281.

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Mon Sep 06, 2021 2:55 pm

New FedEx distribution center coming to Grand Island

https://www.wowt.com/2021/09/03/new-fed ... nd-island/

Work is currently being done at the site.

FedEx Ground said the distribution center is scheduled to open in the fall of 2022 and will be 215,000 square feet.

“The new facility will replace a smaller existing FedEx Ground operation in the Grand Island area and will employ a mix of full and part-time team members, including current employees who may opt to transition from other area facilities,” said Dana Hardek, External Sr. Communications Specialist, FedEx Ground. “The operation also will contract for package pickup and delivery services with local service provider businesses that hire locally for driver, helper, manager and other positions.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Tue Sep 21, 2021 10:02 pm

gisbuxfan wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 10:19 am New youth sports center announced

https://theindependent.com/news/local/ ... 2520Alerts

Central Nebraska Sports Complex hopes to break ground in Spring 2022.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CentralNebraskaSportsComplex
Website: https://gocnsc.org/

The complex could be fantastic for local youth sports!

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Fri Sep 24, 2021 11:17 am

Renderings and video are mighty impressive!

I see that Kearney is also kicking around the idea of doing something similar.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Sun Sep 26, 2021 8:37 pm

Candleshoe wrote: Fri Sep 24, 2021 11:17 am Renderings and video are mighty impressive!

I see that Kearney is also kicking around the idea of doing something similar.

Considering the history of youth sports in the area, I see this becoming a very busy facility. It helps that it’s right off the interstate and will have easy access. It makes me wonder what kind of infrastructure will start popping up around it to support it. Hotels? Restaurants?

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Sun Sep 26, 2021 9:51 pm

gisbuxfan wrote: Sun Sep 26, 2021 8:37 pm

Considering the history of youth sports in the area, I see this becoming a very busy facility. It helps that it’s right off the interstate and will have easy access. It makes me wonder what kind of infrastructure will start popping up around it to support it. Hotels? Restaurants?

THAT might have been Bosselmans motivation for donating that piece of land. Charlie might have it landlocked.

Erik · Post by **Erik** » Tue Sep 28, 2021 6:19 pm

gisbuxfan wrote: Tue Sep 21, 2021 10:02 pm
gisbuxfan wrote: Tue May 25, 2021 10:19 am New youth sports center announced

https://theindependent.com/news/local/ ... 2520Alerts
Central Nebraska Sports Complex hopes to break ground in Spring 2022.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CentralNebraskaSportsComplex
Website: https://gocnsc.org/

The complex could be fantastic for local youth sports!

Impressive facility, for dang sure. Something like this will help to elevate the city/region further

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Thu Oct 28, 2021 10:33 pm

I’ve heard from a number of sources now that Starbucks is building a second location on south Locust. Anyone else hear of this or have confirmation?

Post by **Brad** » Thu Oct 28, 2021 10:45 pm

gisbuxfan wrote: Thu Oct 28, 2021 10:33 pm I’ve heard from a number of sources now that Starbucks is building a second location on south Locust. Anyone else hear of this or have confirmation?

As much as they are expanding in Omaha, I'm surprised they are not expanding more than a second location in GI.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Fri Oct 29, 2021 4:54 pm

gisbuxfan wrote: Thu Oct 28, 2021 10:33 pm I’ve heard from a number of sources now that Starbucks is building a second location on south Locust. Anyone else hear of this or have confirmation?

That totally makes sense. Few people will travel more than a mile or two out of their way for coffee.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Thu Nov 04, 2021 6:47 pm

I was driving down Hwy 281 today and saw someone working on the old Med Express building just north of Tommy's Carwash. I also noticed the for sale signs were removed. Anyone know what is moving in here?

gichick · Post by **gichick** » Fri Nov 05, 2021 7:52 am

There's construction going on Locust in front of the Bosselmans offices. Wondering if it's a gas station or Starbucks, or something else?

bbtran72 · Post by **bbtran72** » Tue Nov 09, 2021 9:15 am

gichick wrote: Fri Nov 05, 2021 7:52 am There's construction going on Locust in front of the Bosselmans offices. Wondering if it's a gas station or Starbucks, or something else?

It's Starbucks according to a source i talked to, i drove by last weekend and noticed footings were poured already.

nativeomahan · Post by **nativeomahan** » Tue Nov 09, 2021 3:26 pm

nebugeater wrote: Sat Jun 19, 2021 6:01 pm Wine Beer and Spirits, THe industrial-sized alcohol store that has moved into the Toys R Us in Omaha and then in Lincoln will be opening a store in Grand Island. Saw a Billboard along Hwy 275 between Valley and Waterloo that listed their locations and said a new location coming soon. Checked their Web site ahs its GI. Anyone know where? Is there an empty Toys R Us in GI?

https://www.winebeerandspirits.com/locations

Their Omaha store is just amazing. A huge selection of domestic and imported beers, plus wines you cannot find in grocery store liquor departments. The liquor selection is also quite deep.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Tue Nov 16, 2021 8:43 pm

Seems like the store has been open for a while, yet they only have a banner up for a sign.

nativeomahan wrote: Tue Nov 09, 2021 3:26 pm
nebugeater wrote: Sat Jun 19, 2021 6:01 pm Wine Beer and Spirits, THe industrial-sized alcohol store that has moved into the Toys R Us in Omaha and then in Lincoln will be opening a store in Grand Island. Saw a Billboard along Hwy 275 between Valley and Waterloo that listed their locations and said a new location coming soon. Checked their Web site ahs its GI. Anyone know where? Is there an empty Toys R Us in GI?

https://www.winebeerandspirits.com/locations
Their Omaha store is just amazing. A huge selection of domestic and imported beers, plus wines you cannot find in grocery store liquor departments. The liquor selection is also quite deep.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Thu Dec 16, 2021 9:26 pm

Yep, this has now been confirmed.

https://theindependent.com/news/local/g ... e8883.html

bbtran72 wrote: Tue Nov 09, 2021 9:15 am
gichick wrote: Fri Nov 05, 2021 7:52 am There's construction going on Locust in front of the Bosselmans offices. Wondering if it's a gas station or Starbucks, or something else?
It's Starbucks according to a source i talked to, i drove by last weekend and noticed footings were poured already.

Post by **Omaha Cowboy** » Thu Dec 16, 2021 10:41 pm

gisbuxfan wrote: Thu Dec 16, 2021 9:26 pm Yep, this has now been confirmed.

https://theindependent.com/news/local/g ... e8883.html

bbtran72 wrote: Tue Nov 09, 2021 9:15 am
gichick wrote: Fri Nov 05, 2021 7:52 am There's construction going on Locust in front of the Bosselmans offices. Wondering if it's a gas station or Starbucks, or something else?
It's Starbucks according to a source i talked to, i drove by last weekend and noticed footings were poured already.

Nice.. Sounds like a great location for GI’s 2nd Starbucks…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Tue Dec 28, 2021 8:35 pm

Major progress ahead for Prairie Commons

https://theindependent.com/news/local/ ... a.amp.html

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Fri Jan 14, 2022 1:20 pm

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (PRESS RELEASE) - The planned Central Nebraska Sports Complex is excited to announce the 10-year naming rights sponsorship for the new complex. Thanks to a generous investment by Pinnacle Bank and the Dinsdale family, the youth sports facility will be named the Pinnacle Bank Sports Complex.

Link to KSNB-TV site with rendering: https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2022/01/14/c ... -new-name/

In addition to the unprecedented economic growth for Grand Island and surrounding areas expected as a result of this development, Pinnacle Bank also views the new Central Nebraska Sports Complex as an opportunity to add value for the community.

“Youth sports is a way of life for so many Nebraskans and their families,” said Sid Dinsdale, Chairman of Pinnacle Bank. “Many of us grew up playing and have passed the love of the game on to our children. Sports have really become a cornerstone of our lives and communities. Pinnacle Bank is proud to help bring convenient access to this type of state-of-the-art facility to athletes in Greater Nebraska.”

Plans for the site include multi-use sports courts, batting cages and additional space for community events and meetings. The sports facility will be equipped with “fan-centered” amenities including a large parking area and ample spectator seating.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Thu Jan 27, 2022 5:18 pm

With all the talk over the last several years of TIF financing being overused in Grand Island, I’d be interested to see how much property currently falls under this umbrella. The latest to likely get it is the old Engleman School building. Now, this happens to be a property that probably does qualify. There have been some other properties given TIF that made me question it’s use.

gichick · Post by **gichick** » Sun Feb 06, 2022 3:14 pm

I saw there's a Dollar Tree going into that mall on Locust across from Arby's. Good place. There needs to be something like that over there.

Also, Twin Rivers is moving (?) Into the old Med Express. Not really new news. They had a sign out for a while.

Also, news about the old Super Bowl. The current owners are adding a Cafe and making the car museum public, and are going to start building housing over there.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Tue Mar 08, 2022 11:00 am

Well, this is interesting. I wonder what they will do with the land.

https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2022/03/08/ ... J4sIEK9Ny8

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Wed Mar 09, 2022 9:04 am

gisbuxfan wrote: Tue Mar 08, 2022 11:00 am Well, this is interesting. I wonder what they will do with the land.

https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2022/03/08/ ... J4sIEK9Ny8

I'm thinking it might be a defensive maneuver.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Fri Mar 11, 2022 1:52 pm

Candleshoe wrote: Wed Mar 09, 2022 9:04 am
gisbuxfan wrote: Tue Mar 08, 2022 11:00 am Well, this is interesting. I wonder what they will do with the land.

https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2022/03/08/ ... J4sIEK9Ny8
I'm thinking it might be a defensive maneuver.

This answers the question...This will be enormous!

I am glad that land is finally getting developed. I lived near there for a while and wondered why it sat empty for so long.

https://theindependent.com/news/local/c ... 1b5d4.html

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Fri Mar 11, 2022 1:53 pm

In other news, after sitting idle for nearly a year, the new Riddle's Jewelry location (formerly Ruby Tuesday) is finally seeing some action as work is now continuing.

Candleshoe · Post by **Candleshoe** » Fri Apr 01, 2022 10:19 am

Prairie Commons development updates:

Grand Island's Prairie Commons growing quickly; facility to have 1,000 employees
https://theindependent.com/news/local/g ... e3af6.html

In the next 18 months, the number of people working at Prairie Commons will grow from 550 to 1,000 people, says Roger Bullington of Chief Construction and Development.

That total will include workers at Grand Island Regional Medical Center, the Tabitha Senior Care facility and two medical office buildings. Construction on the second medical office building will start this fall.

The initial medical office building is 100% leased, Bullington said. With a medical office building, “it’s fairly rare to get leased up that quick,” Bullington said.

As development grows, Grand Island inching closer toward Interstate 80
https://theindependent.com/news/local/a ... d75df.html

Grand Island steadily is moving closer to Interstate 80.

The building of the FedEx Warehouse and Distribution Center represents one step. That building is under construction at Highway 281 and Wildwood Drive.

Other projects will continue the progress.

The distance from I-80 to Highway 34 is 4 1/2 miles, notes Roger Bullington of Chief Construction and Development.

The development of Prairie Commons to Schwimmer Road shortens the distance to 3 1/2 miles.

Chief has an option on a 90-acre parcel along Highway 281 that extends south to Wildwood. That area, when developed, will be 2 1/2 miles from the interstate.

Each chunk of development is moving the city closer to the interstate. “We’re going to get there sooner or later,” Bullington said.

Chief believes in Grand Island, Bullington said. In developing the area along Highway 281, Chief is kind of putting its money where its mouth is, he said.

gisbuxfan · Post by **gisbuxfan** » Tue Apr 26, 2022 9:40 am

New development coming near Walmart on South Locust.

https://theindependent.com/news/local/n ... 46c16.html