Two large plots of land at the intersection of Bakertown and Schaad roads in a quickly developing part of northwest Knox County have been sold to a corporate giant and a beloved regional chain.
Walmart and Weigel's are coming to Schaad Road, with a new Neighborhood Market and an "auto spa" in the pipeline.
Both developments add to the slate of construction projects in the neighborhood. Townhomes and homes are under construction in nearly every direction. Dozens are for sale and apartments are available for rent along Schaad Road and adjacent streets in new neighborhoods.
The county is planning for traffic improvements in the corridor by 2030 as it grows. An early 2026 traffic study details plans for new traffic signals, new turn lanes and road
widening.
Walmart expanding its neighborhood markets in Knox County
Orange Development purchased the large plot in early August for $4.3 million and has begun construction. It's for another Walmart Neighborhood Market, adding to its nationwide push to become the go-to for groceries and household essentials.
Walmart Neighborhood Markets are intended to function as local supermarkets: the stores are smaller (typically about a quarter the size of a supercenter) and focus solely on groceries and household basics. Shoppers won't find furniture, electronics, clothes or auto products mixed in with their produce and cereal.
"Since 1998, Walmart customers have looked to the convenience of Neighborhood Markets to get what they need," a 2024 company press release says about the initiative. "A smaller size meets a stellar assortment, creating a store that places the community at its very center."
Planning documents for the Schaad Road construction site show a 16-pump gas station, convenience store and possible strip retail also are slated for the lot.
The Schaad Road Walmart market will be the second in Knox County, in addition to an established Walmart Neighborhood Market on McKamey Road that underwent renovations earlier this year.
Neither Orange Development nor Walmart responded to requests for a construction timeline for the new store.
Weigel's plans a new gas station and car wash
A new Weigel's gas station and car wash coming to the Schaad and Bakertown intersection, spokesperson Nick Triantafellou confirmed to Knox News.
Weigel's purchased the property for $2 million in 2024. Triantafellou said the land is being prepared for future construction but there is no timeline right now.
Planning documents show a 16-pump gas station, a large parking lot, a convenience store and car wash station on the nearly four acres of land. Car washes − or auto spas− are a new venture for Weigel's, which opened its first near its Powell headquarters in 2025.
Caitlyn Meisner is the K-12 education reporter for Knox News. Email tips and story ideas to caitlyn.meisner@knoxnews.com.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: What's that construction at Schaad and Bakertown roads? Big brands are coming
