The former Kmart store is pictured in December 2019 along Fairmount Avenue. P-J file photo

The former Kmart building that has been vacant for about two years could soon be getting a facelift.

Ellicott town Supervisor Pat McLaughlin said in a recent interview that Target, which recently purchased the property to open a new location, does not plan to tear down the existing building. Rather, the company plans to renovate the existing structure.

“I believe their intent is to basically redo the parking lot and the entrance there on Southwestern Drive,” McLaughlin said. “They have indicated that probably 75% to 80% of the work that is going to take place is going to be inside. The existing building will be there, but obviously to get that building up to what would be Target standards versus — let’s say the last few years of the Kmart — needs a lot of work.”

He said Target’s engineers and attorneys are gearing up to work on a plan review.

“At this point, until the engineers and the attorneys get done with what they want to, we’re just kind of treading water as far as what we do next,” McLaughlin said. “Obviously, it’s in their court as far as getting everything ready to come before the board. Since Kmart is gone now, they’re going to need sign requests for sign permits and things like that.”

With a company the size of Target, McLaughlin said there are numerous details to be worked out.

“They didn’t get that successful by not making sure that all the i’s are dotted and the t’s were crossed,” he said. “I truly anticipate that shortly after the first of the year, we will probably hear from them that they will be coming in for a site plan.”

The purchase of the former Kmart building by Target was confirmed in early November. The former Kmart closed in October 2019.

A spokesperson from Target confirmed with The Post-Journal that the retail corporation has plans to open a store in Jamestown in the next few years.

“We’re excited to bring an easy, safe and convenient shopping experience to new guests in this community with this new Target store. Located at 975 Fairmount Ave., the store will be approximately 117,000 square feet,” the spokesperson said in an email. “As we get closer to opening the store, we’ll have more specific details to share — including how the shopping experience will be tailored to serve local guests and the grand opening date.”