Work will begin soon on the newest Wichita Lowe’s, a centerpiece of the commercial development near 29th North and Maize Road.

Lowe’s officials confirmed plans Friday for a 148,000-square-foot store, four days before the Wichita City Council will consider three projects to blend in the development with an adjacent wetlands area.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved a plan late last month to develop the land, which will eliminate some federally protected wetlands in the body of Cadillac Lake.

The new Lowe’s, to open in the fall, will include 117,000 square feet of retail space, said company spokeswoman Maureen Rich. It will serve as the anchor for more than 321,000 square feet of retail and restaurant development on the east side of Maize Road.

The new Lowe’s will have 31,000 square feet of garden space and will create 175 jobs, most of them full time.

The store will become the 11th Lowe’s in Kansas. It becomes the fourth Wichita-area location, joining stores at 333 S. Ridge Road, 11959 E. Kellogg and 424 W. Patriot in Derby.

The Corps action also clears the way for a 10-acre expansion on the north end of NewMarket Square, with an estimated additional investment of $18 million to $20 million, according to city officials.

Tim Austin, one of Lowe’s project developers, could not be reached for comment Friday. New Market developers also couldn’t be reached late Friday.

On Tuesday, council members will consider the dedication of 54 nearby acres for construction of wetland migration and storm water detention.

Also before the council is a conservation easement to build additional wetlands on the Cowskin Creek Water Quality Reclamation Facility property.

The council also is being asked to approve a project to construct an additional 20 acres of wetlands at the reclamation facility, using $300,000 donated by East Side Investments and NewMarket V.

The city agreed to participate in the development in March 2007.