The proposed location is the site of the old Trinity Steel mill located at Koehler & Yale.

Here’s a site plan embedded in a map of the area:

In early July, 2010, news broke that Wal-Mart is targeting the now vacant former industrial lot of Trinity Industries, an old Steel Mill long since closed, and torn down roughly 2.5 years ago. This lot is located in Houston’s West End, on the corner of Yale and Koehler street, bordered by Bonner St. on the West, and RR Tracks to the south.

The West End is a redeveloping neighborhood, with a heavy mixture of recent and new construction patio and town homes, next to some mid century pier and beam construction. Most older construction homes have fallen into disrepair, and the neighborhood has become a targeted area for younger singles, couples, and some families to relocate nearer to Downtown, and with a central location close to the heart of the city.  The neighborhood also borders the bustling Washington Ave Corridor.

Its been reported that early in 2010, Texas grocery chain HEB had made an offer, and was working with the developer to finalize an 8-10 acre store on the land.  During the late spring sometime, Wal-Mart became involved, and on July 1, news broker that Wal-Mart was now the primary target retail anchor for the site.

The Facebook Group ‘Stop The Heights Walmart’ began shortly thereafter, quickly recruiting 1000′s of members, and hosting its first group meeting on July 26, 2010.

On July 29, the Houston Chronicle reported that Walmart had agreed to purchase 15 acres at the site from the developer Ainbinder.  Later that day, the Chronicle also reported that tax incentives were being discussed with the developer, Ainbinder, in order to complete the process.

The proposed WalMart would be a 24 hour supercenter, roughly 155K square feet, and large enough to attract and effect neighborhoods for roughly a 5 mile + radius, which includes Rice Military, The Heights, and the greater portion of Super Neighborhood 22 and Super Neighborhood 15.