Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has purchased land around the

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has purchased land around the chain’s Pass Christian, Mississipi, store, which was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. The purchase has stirred hopes that the company will build a “Wal-Mart village,” as had been proposed by local architect Robin Riley and others. The company confirmed the land acquisition in early February and said that although a design has not been approved, it will be unique. Riley produced a design last year that called for combining a rebuilt store with 300 to 500 townhouses and apartments.