Walgreen's to replace closed Mugsy's

A new Walgreens will soon be built on West Main Street to replace the old Mugsy’s, which has been closed since June 2008.
Assistant City Manager Kevin Baity said Blackstone Group, a realty and property development company, is purchasing the land and has agreed to build the new Walgreens.
Baity said the group will acquire the property around December 2009 and will begin demolition soon after. The target date for the project’s completion is spring 2010, he said, and it is set to be open to the public by October or November of 2010.
“Blackstone Group is buying the property for Walgreens and developing the store. They will sell it to Walgreens once it is finished,” Baity said.
Baity said the new store would not replace the existing Walgreens on the corner of South Wall and East Walnut Streets, but bring new employment opportunities to the west side of Carbondale.
“The development of the new Walgreens on Main Street is just a new store and the one on Wall and Walnut is not closing down,” he said. “This is being done due to the sufficient need of a Walgreens on the west end of town. It will also bring about job opportunities, which Walgreens is looking to employ up to roughly 40 people.”
Nikki Williamson, a senior from Springfield studying psychology, said Walmart, Schnucks, Kroger and Walgreens are already up and running in Carbondale, and a new store is not needed.
“The city could have made a wiser business venture,” Williamson said. “Any place you newly open is going to give job opportunities.”
Jamie Carlson, a sophomore from Rochester studying journalism, said though Walgreens can be a bit pricey, the opportunity for added jobs should not be missed.
“Job opportunities and chances to help people get back on their feet are always welcomed, especially in this economic crisis,” Carlson said.

Deon Price can be reached
at 536-3311 ext. 255.