Council approves permit for Kwik Trip expansion

City News July 17, 2026

At its July 13 meeting, the Albert Lea City Council approved a conditional use permit for Kwik Trip at 906 W. Front St. to remodel and expand its convenience store. The project would include an expansion of almost 2,000 square feet on the back side of the store to improve fueling operations, food preparation, service areas and restrooms.

After holding a public hearing June 9, the Planning Commission recommended approval as long as Kwik Trip consolidates its three lots, adds landscaping, and screens equipment and dumpsters.

The council also approved the following items:

Financing several street projects by borrowing $4.91 million through a 10-year bond. The city usually bonds for major projects, paying the bonds back with assessments, water fees for water main replacements, and property taxes. This bond finances reconstruction of Valley Avenue and Marshall Street; replacement of the watermain on Sorensen Road; reconstruction of St. Mary Avenue and 14^th Street; and repaving and repairs to several residential streets.
A $50,000 matching grant toward $106,500 in improvements to 232 S. Washington Ave., including new windows, garage doors and tuckpointing. The improvements meet the criteria of the Broadway Ridge Renewal Grant, a long-time program designed to help maintain commercial buildings in Albert Lea’s historic downtown district.

The council postponed taking action on designating the north side of Janson Street as no parking in order to ensure enough space for emergency vehicles and snow removal equipment. The council plans to discuss the issue at its July 27 meeting with input from nearby residents and businesses.

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