An Arkansas-based architecture and engineering firm has applied for a building permit on behalf of a Philadelphia-area real estate firm to turn the former Big Lots building in Orchard Plaza into an Academy Sports + Outdoors location, according to information provided by Logan Township.

The renovation of the 48,000-square-foot building at the center of the plaza is expected to cost $3.5 million, according to the permit application.

Headquartered in Katy, Texas, a suburb of Houston, Academy Sports + Outdoors has 301 stores in 21 states, according to the company website. It is billed as one of the nation’s largest sporting goods and outdoor stores.

The company offers a broad assortment of hunting, fishing and camping equipment and gear, along with sports and leisure products, footwear, apparel and more, according to its website.

While Academy Sports + Outdoor had humble beginnings as a tire shop in 1938 in San Antonio, the acquisition of six military surplus stores helped the company expand. By 1990, it was selling more cowboy boots than any other chain in the U.S. and it continued to grow. It opened its first locations in Maryland and Pennsylvania this year.

The sporting goods company reported that sales reached $1 billion in 2003, $2 billion in 2007, $3 billion in 2012 and $4 billion in 2014. Sales reached $6.4 billion in fiscal 2022, according to the company website.

Regionally, the chain has stores in Harrisburg, York and Mt. Carmel in Pennsylvania and in Hagerstown, Md.

Attempts to obtain further information from Academy, the architectural firm and the real estate firm were unsuccessful.

Big Lots closed its local store in the aftermath of filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, acquisition by Gordon Brothers Retail Partners LLC in early 2025 and subsequent sale of a portion of the business to Variety Wholesalers, with some other stores being acquired by Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, according to online sources.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.