Council says hhgregg opening in Highland

HIGHLAND | The Town Council announced Monday a major appliance store is moving into the recently vacated Borders Books building. Indianapolis-based hhgregg Inc. will soon be moving in, Building Commissioner Ken Mika said.

"They're going to be doing some interior and some minor exterior work" before opening, he said.

The site is a free standing building at the northern end of the Highland Grove shopping mall.

Redevelopment Director Cecile Petro noted that the building is more than 25,000 square feet.

The business sells appliances and electric items such as televisions, refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers, computers, cameras and other products.

"It will be a major draw for the area," Petro said.

A company spokesman said hhgregg still has a lease contract pending and declined to provide details.

Borders vacated the building about six weeks ago after the company liquidated.

"It's a good thing we picked up a major retailer," Mika said. "It's a plus for us."

Mika said he has architectural drawings of the renovations, which include modifying the front entrance and facade. On the inside, some walls will be relocated and the existing restroom facility will be moved from the east side to the northwest corner.

In general, the company will probably modify the interior to accommodate their regular store layout, Mika said.

There is no word yet on the grand opening, but contractor bids are going out and Mika speculated the store could open after the first of the year.

The retailer recently opened 14 stores in the Chicago area, including one in Hobart.