One year ago it was just a set of blueprints, but Menards first location in Kentucky -- a megastore measuring more than 200,000 sq. ft. -- opened on May 1 in Owensboro, Ky., according to an article in the Messenger Inquirer.

Menards will be the first store to operate in the 67-acre Heartland Crossing shopping center. Designs for that $45 million development feature building pads for restaurants, banks, offices and a hotel.

After concerns were raised by local citizens and businesses, the state of Kentucky agreed to make improvements to nearby roads and add exit ramps.