Demolition of the former R&R Motel has concluded, and the land is expected to be the home of a new Dollar General store. File photo

Retailer finalizing plans for store along U.S. 40

A national retailer has confirmed its plans to build a store at Dublin’s western edge.

In response to an inquiry from Western Wayne News late last week, Dollar General Corp. public relations officials said in a statement that they are “currently finalizing our due diligence phase for a new Dollar General in Dublin, IN, that would be located off of West Cumberland Street.”

“Based on our current timeline, we anticipate to break ground in the coming weeks,” the statement concluded.

Dublin Clerk-Treasurer Julia McCarty said developers are moving forward quickly.

“Our permits note the estimated completion date of May 2023,” McCarty said. “They are working with our staff for building and signage permits, estimated costs for utility services, and the state for curbing and driveway permits, so things seem to be moving along very well.”

The store is expected to be built on the north side of U.S. 40 where demolition of the former R&R Motel at 2554 W. Cumberland St. has just been completed.

The motel was called Kinney’s Motel in the 1950s.

Two Rushville, Indiana, men — Ronald L. Wooldridge and Tony J. Newton — bought the property in September 2020.

They initially expressed interest in converting the motel into senior housing, but acknowledged they would need to gather more information as to whether the building could be revived or if it would need to be demolished and cleaned up for some other kind of development.

Some residents were pleased to see progress on the site for the first time in years as many trees and overgrowth were removed after the new owners took over. At one point, weeds had been taller than vehicles.

“We are always glad to see progress in town to benefit our residents as well as complement our other businesses,” McCarty said.

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Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.