Old Builder’s Square finally leased

The empty big-box Builder’s Square near Lafayette Square Mall finally has a new tenant after sitting vacant more than 10 years. Garden Ridge, a Texas-based home-decor chain, plans to take the 110,000-square-foot space and open its first location in Indiana. The company hopes to open in February 2008, around the time a new Wal-Mart Supercenter opens nearby. The deal is a strong sign that the Wal-Mart is driving new retail interest in an area that has struggled for years. Garden Ridge has more than 35 stores in 14 states. Wayne O’Hara of Sitehawk Retail Real Estate represented Garden Ridge and Home Depot, which owns the old Builder’s Square. The building is at the northeast corner of 46th Street and Lafayette Road.