Old HEB parking lot:

Smoothwaters : yes, an Exxon.

FreebyrdII :
I'm sad to hear this; needing to get large, heavy items to a customer's car does seem as important as food pick up. It's just a Different kind of pick up, right? And, y'all have been there, when other businesses came and went. They need to respect your loyalty, but doesnt look like they are

Smoothwaters :
Yes, Exxon

Folks I think you are missing the real issue here. HEB has owned that corner for years. They purchased it from Exxon for additional parking when their store was located there. They no longer have that store but are still liable for any claims resulting from accidents that may occur there. With the increased traffic created by the Sprouts store it makes sense that HEB would want to minimize that possibility. Hence, BLOCK IT OFF. Why be liable for claims created by someone else’s customers?

SpaceCat: I really don't think they need to " thwart" Sprouts business. If you haven't noticed, their business doesn't seem to be affected any by Aldi, Trader Joe's or Sprouts.

Theoldman :
it is odd that they hold on to it, and I am not sure if I have seen a business block other areas of a center, in this way. I agree that Sprouts is not stealing business from HEB.

LittleTexas :
Maybe they can't get their money that they paid Exxon. So they hang on to it until someone meets their price. Just a guess.

Donnawisdom :
probably the truth; that may take awhile, but with Sprouts there now, they have a better chance of finding their buyer.

Donnawisdom :
That could easily be the reason however there comes a time to cut losses and move forward. Taxes, insurance, and maintenance even on vacant commercial property can be expensive.

FreebyrdII :
Great photo of y'all!❤️

Kittle :
very true; costing more to keep it, than to sell, and no more worry about blocking it/insurance/ whatever their reasons are for blocking this off :0

Theoldman :
I agree that folks are missing the point.Years ago when the gas station closed the section of land was paved over for parking. Times and regulations have changed over the years. HEB retains that section of the parking lot and blocked it off to keep it from being improved or built upon. Not as a hardship to businesses but because the soil the gas station was located on has not been remediated.Under modern regulations the soil would have to be excavated several feet, taken to an off site location. Treated and cooked to remove any possible remaining toxins from gas station holding tanks potential leaks. The soil could then be returned, compacted and then built upon.That process is extremely expensive. IMO that is something Exxon should have done when they sold the land to HEB and HEB was left holding the bag. It's not ill intended or done through malice by HEB.

That could all happen, and you are right, it is Not something to look forward to, especially when the center is finally getting filled with viable businesses, again.