The Great Unveiling: How Albemarle’s Hydraulic Road Is Getting a Second Act

For years, it just sat there, didn’t it? That hulking, silent structure on Hydraulic Road — the ghost of a Kmart past. A veritable monument to retail gone by, a stark reminder of what once was but certainly isn’t anymore. Well, my friends, the story, for once, is changing. Albemarle County’s Board of Supervisors has finally, and perhaps to the relief of many, given the green light to a rather ambitious plan: a complete overhaul, a resurrection you could say, for that long-vacant site.

It happened not too long ago, a unanimous vote, actually. Supervisors approved both a rezoning and a special use permit for the property located precisely at 1700 Hydraulic Road. And why is this such a big deal, you ask? Because what’s coming next is a full-blown transformation. The developer, Atlantic Realty Companies from Vienna, intends to simply wipe the slate clean. That immense, roughly 100,000-square-foot Kmart building? It’s coming down. And in its place? A shiny, new 97,000-square-foot shopping center, ready to breathe some much-needed life back into the area.

Honestly, the vision here is pretty compelling. We’re talking about a brand-new Lidl grocery store, occupying a sizable 30,000 square feet, which, let’s be fair, is quite exciting for local shoppers. But it won't just be a Lidl; oh no. The remaining 67,000 square feet are earmarked for a medley of other retailers, promising a fresh array of options for us all. If all goes according to plan — and one certainly hopes it does — construction is slated to kick off early next year, in 2025, with doors potentially opening to the public by late 2025 or perhaps early 2026. Not too long to wait, really, when you consider how long it’s been vacant.

This isn't merely about new stores, though. It’s about a deeper, more meaningful revitalization of a significant local corridor. The Kmart, which shuttered its doors way back in 2017, has been, in truth, a bit of an eyesore for too long. Supervisor Ned Gallaway put it rather succinctly, noting the site has been “a challenge” for quite a while. And Supervisor Jim Andrews? He didn’t mince words, calling it a “blight” on our landscape. This project, then, isn’t just development; it’s urban renewal, promising not only an uptick in tax revenue but also, importantly, a good number of new jobs for our community members.

Of course, any development of this scale brings its share of questions, doesn’t it? Traffic, for one, is always a concern. But, crucially, the plan includes some pretty substantial improvements to address just that. We’re talking about a brand-new traffic signal where Hydraulic meets Commonwealth Drive, improved cross-access connections, and pedestrian upgrades that should make getting around a little easier, a little safer. There will even be a new entrance and exit onto Commonwealth Drive. Supervisor Bea LaPisto-Kirtley actually highlighted these traffic enhancements as a key part of her support, and that’s reassuring.

And the parking? Yes, it’s being reevaluated too. The old Kmart behemoth had 771 parking spots, a somewhat staggering number. The new design scales that back to a more practical 424 spaces, aligning more closely with contemporary retail needs. So, as we look ahead, past the demolition and through the construction, there’s a genuine sense of optimism brewing. This isn't just a shopping center; it’s a commitment to progress, a bold step towards a more vibrant, more engaging Albemarle. It's a new chapter, indeed, and honestly, it feels long overdue.