Walmart selected CEI for the one-of-a-kind Walmart To Go fueling station and convenience store project, which initially was a top secret project known only to a select few individuals within the worlds largest retailer. The site is located at the busiest intersection in Bentonville, AR. Tthis project was especially challenging, as there were no standards in place for such a facility. What was even more challenging was the fact that Walmart used a Florida architect, who was not accustom to the Walmart program. This required CEI to provide additional coordination to educate the architect on all things Walmart and the design requirements and permitting process for both the City of Bentonville and the State of Arkansas. Also, once this project became public knowledge, dozens of Walmart personnel became involved and often gave conflicting direction, requiring CEI staff to sort through the varying directions to produce a product that satisfied everyone.
CEI provided due diligence investigation, civil engineering, landscape architecture, survey, and construction administration services for the 5,200-square foot convenience store and 8 pump fueling station located on a 1.9-acre site. The site also included not only a floodplain but a floodway, which we had to avoid, and reduced the useable land area by approximately 1/3 acre. Further complications included significant driveway restrictions on both major highway frontages, which by strict interpretation of the City Code would not allow proper traffic circulation through the development. CEI leveraged our relationships with City staff to obtain waivers that allowed the drives to be placed in locations that were ideal for project. Through much coordination, several meetings, and long hours, CEI was able to help Walmart open this facility on time.