Menards has re-confirmed they will not build a new store in Austin anytime soon.

Marv Prochaska, a vice president for real estate for the Eau Claire, Wis.-based company, told the Austin Daily Herald, “The economy is only part of the reason for this decision. There are other factors involved also.”

According to the company spokesman, Austin’s close proximity to other cities with Menards stores was another reason for the decision.

Several months ago, the Austin Daily Herald first reported the company was backing away from its announcement it would open a new Menards store on ag land between the Target strip mall and Interstate 90.

The project was to involve Mower County as well as the city of Austin for an access road from Mower County CSAH No. 27 at the far northwest edge of the city.

At the time there was speculation fueled by city staff and others that other development would take place along 18th Avenue Northwest (CSAH No. 27 within the Austin city limits).

That speculation occurred after Wal-Mart Stores Inc. proceeded to develop a Supercenter off 18th Avenue Northwest. The store opened in July 2008.

The Menards executive did say the company plans to open 13 new stores at Upper Midwest locations in 2009.