WinCo Foods has filed a building permit with the city of Bellingham for a $7 million remodel of the former Joe’s Sports store just off of Meridian Street.

The grocery chain plans to make tenant improvements to the vacant retail space at 300 E. Bellis Fair Parkway, which is next door to Value Village, according to the permit that was accepted by the city on Oct. 5. The building has more than 100,000 square feet of space.

The company has considered the vacant space for the past few years. In 2010, it began a design review process to make changes to the building’s facade and parking lot.

Mike Read, a spokesperson for the company, said he was not in a position to comment on the permit filing when he was reached by phone on Tuesday, Oct. 16.

But he did confirm that WinCo Foods was interested in the store location.

WinCo, based in Boise, Idaho, operates more than 80 stores in the western U.S., and employs more than 14,000 people, according to its website. The employee-owned grocery chain is known for its 24-hour stores and discount prices.

This article was revised on Oct. 16, 2012. An earlier version understated the building’s size. 

Contact Evan Marczynski at evan@bbjtoday.com or call 360-647-8805.