Building Permit Issued For FL Store Of The "World's Largest Home Improvement Retailer" In Old Kmart

Photo byMike Kalasnik from Fort Mill, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

It has been quite a while since many Floridians have heard the Kmart phrase "Attention Kmart Shoppers." That's because there used to be over 170 Kmart stores in Florida. Today, there is only one that still does business. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't old, abandoned Kmarts still in Florida. And some Floridians do not like the empty parking lots. Those in that category may be interested in knowing that an abandoned Kmart in Mandarin has just received building permits to become a Home Depot.

About The Kmart In Question And Its Journey To Become A Florida Home Deport: The 133,123-square-foot K-Mart in question shut down in 2016 and has been vacant ever since. It is located at 9600 San Jose Boulevard.

The vacant store's journey to become a Home Deport has been ongoing for months. Specifically, in early 2024, it was reported that a Home Depot was planned for the space. A couple of months later, in May, the city council approved a rezoning request by Home Depot to build a 132,000-square-foot store on the site.

On September 6, 2024, Ordner Construction received a $400,000 construction permit to demolish the building.

And now, in mid-October, a building permit was issued by the city of Jacksonville, which means that construction should begin soon.

Home Deport In Florida: Home Depot refers to itself as "the world’s largest home improvement retailer" on its website.

There are approximately 145 Home Depot stores in Florida and the Jacksonville area has several locations.

A store on Southside Boulevard earns 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google reviews. Many reviewers comment about selection and customer service.

A reviewer with the handle XM Scott wrote:

"(I) really want to commend the team at the pick-up /return desk. Now, this was just amazing. Walked in? Welcomed. Came to desk? Acknowledged! While waiting for package? Another team member said 'Hello. May I help you with anything?' At the end? (A) team member assisted me and then then thanked me for coming by. It’s not service for me, it’s customer care! Well done, team! Well done!"

The author is not affiliated with Kmart, Home Depot, or any other retailers.