first on decorahnews.com: "Major retailer" could come to the former Wal-Mart building

The view of the former Wal-Mart building from Highway 9

The owner of the former Wal-Mart building in Decorah, Newton businessman Scot Farver, says he has a "major retailer" who is interested in leasing space in the building.

But the retailer is hedging, says Farver, because of its concern about trees.

The trees in question line the south side of Highway 9 along the Centrum Plaza property.  The retailer says the trees are blocking the view of the Wal-Mart building--and that has the company concerned about visibility.

The trees in question appear to be on State of Iowa highway right-of-way.  That means the Iowa Department of Transportation would have to give its permission before the trees could be cleared.

A number of the trees are fast-growing soft woods, according to one local official, so maintenance of the side of the highway might have to be a routine task.