Culver's planned for Wabash Avenue

CULVER'S entered the Springfield market in the shadow of the area's first Wal-Mart Supercenter. But owners say it is coincidental that plans for a second restaurant place it next to another proposed supercenter site.

A Bloomington-based Culver's franchise has purchased property in Pleasant Park. The lot , which faces Wabash Avenue, is immediately south of the site where Wal-Mart hopes to build . Both projects have yet to receive a building permit.

Jim Wolfer, the franchise's operating owner, said the site was chosen based on the area's growing residential population and proximity to the Cingular and Wells Fargo office buildings.

“That's our market,” Wolfer said. “We had contemplated that area when we began our search over a year ago. And even now there's no way to know if Wal-Mart is going to be there. That just seems to be where everything is moving.”

Wolfer's company, which will operate as Springfield Custard LLC, originally planned to build directly north of White Oaks Mall, but withdrew a request to rezone the vacant property after area residents objected .

The Pleasant Park site already is zoned for restaurant operations. Construction is slated to begin later this month with a December opening projected.

The Wisconsin-based chain specializes in frozen custard treats and hamburgers made from fresh ground chuck.

Another franchise operates the Culver's at 2540 N. Dirksen Parkway.