“This is a great thing for Butler,” said Mayor Kevin Carr. Carr was commenting on the transformation of the former Hitchman’s Market currently underway. The location is on Liberty Street in Butler and will be the newest location for a Dollar General store.
“This whole thing has been very positive for us. Local contractors are involved, it will also bring jobs, not to mention the convenience to have a local store that is able to provide anything from some grocery items to other necessary items,” added Carr,“This is in the best interest of the residents: The convenience side of not having to travel, spend gas and time when you just may need a few items.”
The property was purchased in May by Shultz Group LLC of Pataskala. Bruce Shultz is a well-known “preferred developer” by Dollar General Corporation.
A local company, Deer Creek Excavating, had the task of taking down the Hitchman’s building. JJO Construction of Mentor is the general contractor in charge of construction. The original completion date was set for mid-August, but because of the recent heavy rains the project may be delayed an estimated two weeks for a completion date for the first of September.
“I think the store will do fine,” stated Carr. The store is reportedly bringing jobs for approximately 9-12 employees and as the traffic is monitored that number could increase.
The mayor went on to share the enthusiasm of the residents of Butler in seeing new business come into town and revitalizing the old market building. There is a shared hope that this would spark interest from other businesses to consider the town as a location to expand.
“We are open to more business coming in,”Carr said. “Butler sees a lot of traffic, we just need them to have more reason to stop and spend some time and money.”
