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When it was a Venture and later a Kmart store, the development east of Noland Road and north of Interstate 70 in southwest Independence helped fuel the citys economic engine.

The space has sat empty since 2017, becoming a magnet for crime and vagrancy that prompted the city to demolish the former retail space, which had been gutted by thieves and taken over by a homeless encampment, two years ago.

It was around that same time Wallys a mega travel center chain with two locations, Fenton, Missouri, and Pontiac, Illinois bought the property and announced expansion plans.

After announcing its proposal in November 2023, Wallys hoped to break ground in 2024. That didnt happen, but the plan took a significant step toward reality Tuesday when the Independence Pla

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