Once Graves Drugs finally closes its doors, what’s next at 609 Commercial?
The specific answer may not be known for months, but the Mixed-Use zoning up and down Commercial provides some clues as to what kind of business may come — including retail, food and beverage or professional services.
While Graves is a standalone business, City Zoning Administrator Justin Givens says its successor might not be. A mixed-use development, similar to the Chelsea Lofts at 10th and Commercial, Preston Plaza at 528 Merchant or upcoming Gazette Collective at 517 Merchant would be allowed.
Graves owner Melissa Daniels confirmed the pharmacy’s immediate closure Monday afternoon, adding the store portion of the business will remain open until all items are liquidated — a process that could take into early next year.
609 Commercial has over 17,000 square feet of available retail space, according to Lyon County records, and Givens says that may make the property attractive to a lot of potential buyers.
Givens doesn’t anticipate a lot of oversight from his office — mainly with verifying the building’s proposed use is compatible with local zoning code — although Neighborhood Services, Building Code and the Emporia Fire Marshal may have some meetings to make sure remodels are renovations are up to different city code and fire protection standards.
