Tool retailer coming to James River Commons

Last edited 3:06 p.m., May 21, 2019

Burnsville, Minnesota-based Northern Tool + Equipment is coming to James River Commons, a partner in the south Springfield development said.

Stu Stenger of James River Commons developer TKG-RKS Joint Venture LLC said BP Builders LLC broke ground about a week ago at 549 W. El Camino Alto Drive, between Sam’s Club and Walmart Neighborhood Market. A September completion date is targeted for the project, designed by H Design Group LLC, he added.

“They’re a great fit for southwest Missouri and especially in a high-traffic area like James River Commons,” Stenger said.

Northern Tool + Equipment penned a lease for undisclosed terms, Stenger said. He also declined to disclose the cost for the project, and an estimate was not on file with the city of Springfield’s Building Development Services.

Northern Tool, which sells tools for automotive, farming, trucking, food service and other industries, operates more than 100 stores, including one Missouri location each in Arnold, Independence and St. Peters, according to its website.

Stenger deferred further questions to Northern Tool Real Estate Development Director Duane Boris. Reached this morning, Boris deferred questions to marketing officials at the company. They could not be reached for comment by deadline.

At James River Commons, Stenger said three vacant parcels remain in the development anchored by Sam’s Club and Academy Sports. One parcel is west of Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, while the other two are east of Academy and south of Zaxby’s.

James River Commons was co-developed in 2009 by Springfield-based Ron Stenger Cos. and Columbia-based Kroenke Group, owned by billionaire Stan Kroenke, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.