By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
An additional Kwik Trip gas and convenience store is set to take root in Whitewater, based on a recently unveiled proposal.
The Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review Commission at its most recent meeting granted La Crosse-based Kwik Trip a conditional-use permit for a second store, this one at 837 S. Janesville St.
The decision comes on the heels of a favorable vote cast late in 2019 for a Kwik Trip proposed on the opposite end of the city on Elkhorn Road, or Business Highway 12, near the roundabout.
According to Kwik Trip representatives, construction on the Highway 12 location is set to begin in March 2021; work on the Janesville Street location is set to begin no later than a month after that. No firm opening dates have been announced, but company officials said they anticipate both locations beginning operations later in the year.
Troy Mleziva, real estate development manager with Kwik Trip, said the company saw untapped potential at the Janesville Street property, which has housed a farmhouse and barn. At present, the barn is still standing.
“We’d have, probably, somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 employees staffing the (Janesville Street) store,” Mleziva said at the meeting, held March 9. “It would be a multimillion dollar investment in the city. We’re excited to be of service.”
Mleziva said both Kwik Trips planned for Whitewater would be nearly identical to one another, each offering a car wash in addition to the fueling stations and convenience stores. The Highway 12 site is expected to have a detached car wash, while the Janesville Street property will have it attached.
Commissioner Sherry Stanek lauded Kwik Trip’s investment in the city.
“I’m glad you are coming, and I just wish you could start sooner,” Stanek said.
Lisa Dawsey-Smith, representing the Whitewater Area Chamber of Commerce, also praised Kwik Trip’s decision at the meeting.
“This company has a history of being supportive to its host communities, and it offers a positive work environment to its employees,” Dawsey-Smith said.
It’s nice that they want to come here and build and offer work but I feel Whitewater needs a truckstop not just a gas station. Plenty of truck drivers in this area but nowhere for them to park. I guess we just have to keep giving Loves in Elkhorn our business.