By DAVE HAMRICK
Staff Writer

Announcement that a crafts/home improvement store will take over more than half of the old Wal-Mart building on North Glynn Street has put new life into Fayetteville officials' efforts to spark redevelopment of the city's “forgotten zone.”

A commercial building boom in the city has brought new prosperity to areas north and south of downtown, but as many older businesses have moved into newer, nicer spaces in the new shopping centers, the city's older shopping centers closer to the Courthouse Square have become empty and neglected.

The city doesn't own the buildings, so city officials' role has been to quietly work behind the scenes, said city manager Mike Bryant.

“We try to put people together,” said Bryant. If someone calls city hall for information on the older buildings, city officials provide information to all sides as groups of business people try to negotiate a deal, he added.

News that Wal-Mart will soon be occupied is encouraging, Bryant said, adding that the city is watching hopefully as other potential deals are discussed.

Developers are showing interest in the empty former Winn Dixie supermarket and other spaces in the shopping center next to Wal-Mart, he said, but couldn't say more for fear of interfering in negotiations. “We're hoping to be involved in some discussions with folks who have got some ideas,” he said.

The potential for redevelopment of the older spaces is “very positive” if all the right ingredients can be put in place, Bryant said. “You just have to be patient,” he added.