How to Get a CVS That Doesn’t Suck

Just how does a community get a CVS or Walgreens store that doesn't suck? We're told that such chain pharmacies have a prototype building they like to build. Of course they do. That standardization makes them money, at least on the front end. But more communities are demanding something better than the anywhere 13,000 square foot box inside an asphalt donut. In St. Louis, CVS has tried to win approval to demolish the Lindell Avenue AAA building and build their prototype store. So far the community (Alderman, residents, city preservation board, mayor) has said "no" and CVS has said that they are determined to win. AAA also seeks demoltion as the CVS deal would result in a new building on the site for them. nextSTL has put forth design alternatives to incorporate a standard store on the site and a more urban vision, both retain the AAA building (additional nextSTL CVS/AAA coverage).

A quick glance around the Midwest finds numerous examples of better-than-box CVS and Walgreens stores. One striking example sits at Meridian and 16th Street in Indianapolis. How does a corner with an exisiting standard Walgreens, McDonald's and a Chase bank parking lot become home to a more urban CVS? I got in touch with Chris Barnett, the economic development coordinator for Near North Development Corp, the neigborhood CDC, when the project was built. Here's how Indianapolis got it's unlikely CVS: