Could an HEB finally be coming to the old Lacks building at the corner of Buffalo Gap Road and Antilley?
The grocery giant still will not confirm the possibility, but Wylie residents certainly have new reason to hope.
A permit was filed with the city of Abilene on Sept. 4 to tear down both the Lacks building and BBVA Compass Bank. Shortly after, a fence went up around both buildings signaling that perhaps demolition was near.
That was more than a month ago; however, and no other signs of demolition have begun.
Wylie residents have been waiting years for the HEB. Rumors began that HEB might be coming right after Lacks closed at the end of 2010. Those rumors gained steam when HEB bought the building in 2011.
But HEB stayed mum on any plans to build a store, and years have passed. The possibility gained steam again this past spring when HEB also bought the BBVA Compass Bank building in front of Lacks.
That was in March with nothing happening until September when the demolition permit was filed. Now Wylie waits again to see what will happen.
HEB has refused to give local media any details on when or if a store will be built, but the grocery giant now owns property at 6301 Buffalo Gap Road, 6381 Buffalo Gap Road and 6401 Buffalo Gap Road.
Here is a timeline of the HEB possibilities:
Sept. 14, 2011 – HEB buys the Lacks Building at 6381 Buffalo Gap Road as well as the lot next to it at 6401 Buffalo Gap Road.
Feb. 8, 2018 – John Rose of Dallas files for a zoning change for the BBVA Compass building at 6301 Buffalo Gap Road, site for a new retail development that will include fuel sales. Rose admitted to working for a grocery company but would not tell the council anything more.
March 9, 2018 – HEB buys the property at 6301 Buffalo Gap Road.
Sept. 4, 2018 – A demolition permit was filed with the City of Abilene to tear down both the Lacks building and the BBVA Compass building.