Friedman's in Negotiations to Open Store in Petaluma

Friedman’s Home Improvement store is in negotiations with a developer to come to Petaluma, following Lowe’s announcement that it was bowing out of the project last month.

Over last weekend, the company drew up plans about what the store would look like if it moved into the , on North McDowell Boulevard and Rainier Avenue, according to an article in Thursday’s Argus Courier.

Friedman’s got its start in Petaluma, where it opened in 1946. After its lease ran out in 1976, the company left, opening locations in Sonoma, Santa Rosa and Ukiah. But they have often talked of returning and Lowe’s departure from the scene, due to declining sales nationwide, has provided an opening for the local home improvement store.

Merlone Geier, the developer of the 40 acre property, has said that it’s still committed to bringing a home improvement store to Petaluma, citing a recent survey that showed that 63 percent of residents supported the idea. The shopping center would also have restaurants, medical offices and a sports facility.

Meanwhile, Home Depot is also considering entering a bid to come to Petaluma, according to the Argus story.

Petaluma has been without a home improvement store since Yardbird's closed in 2009.