The First Whole Foods In Prince George's County (Columbia, Frederick: transfer, closing)

[adelphi_sky]

Here's an interesting article on Howard County's first Whole Foods in Columbia. Who knew that Howard County was feeling the pain as well?

In all of the criticism and frustration with Prince George's County's perception as lacking retail and an attractive quality of life, I found this statement by a patron of the new Whole Foods ironic.

Randy Severt, a 36-year resident of Columbia who attended the opening as a shoppper, said adding a Whole Foods puts Columba on the map.


"It's wonderful," she said. "I feel like we've arrived."

Was it that bad in Columbia? If Ms. Severt, a Columbia resident, felt that great after seeing the Columbia Whole Foods open, I can't wait until the one in Riverdale Park opens.

Hundreds pack Columbia Whole Foods for grand opening


Whole Foods Columbia opens to droves of shoppers - baltimoresun.com

[Mr Beco]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

Here's an interesting article on Howard County's first Whole Foods in Columbia. Who knew that Howard County was feeling the pain as well?

In all of the criticism and frustration with Prince George's County's perception as lacking retail and an attractive quality of life, I found this statement by a patron of the new Whole Foods ironic.

Was it that bad in Columbia? If Ms. Severt, a Columbia resident, felt that great after seeing the Columbia Whole Foods open, I can't wait until the one in Riverdale Park opens.

Hundreds pack Columbia Whole Foods for grand opening


Whole Foods Columbia opens to droves of shoppers - baltimoresun.com

I only go there once or twice a year for different reasons, but I think the Mall has gotten stale. I do believe I have read about changes coming to the Mall and some outlining areas.

[adelphi_sky]

For those of you who would like to track the progress of Riverdale Park Station and the first Whole Foods in Prince George's County, there is a link on the we site that provides construction updates. Up until now, they just provided a few paragraphs. But today they have provided a lot more detailed information as well as a 12 month schedule toward completion.

It is difficult to see the progress of the Whole Foods store because the site sits on a hill. I'd imagine that until they start working on the Gateway Park, it will be difficult to see the progress driving along RT. 1.

Future Plans:

• One to two month look-ahead –
  • Continue all of the above work but start an additional building to provide new retail to the area.
  • Start utility infrastructure throughout the site
• Two to six month look-ahead –
  • Start additional retail buildings
  • Advance actual construction of the CSX Crossing
  • Advance construction of the Hiker/Biker Trail
• Six to twelve month look-ahead –
  • Start interior fit-out of Whole Foods
  • Finish widening of Route 1
  • Opening of Gateway Park
• Final product –
  • Everyone is invited to view the video posted at the address noted below to see the expected final product: Video

Construction Updates

[Mr Beco]

I plan to drive there tomorrow to see the progress. Only approx, 12,000sf of office planned from what I see.

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by Barry Rock

I plan to drive there tomorrow to see the progress. Only approx, 12,000sf of office planned from what I see.

It's actually 22,000sf.

Encompasses 160,000 square feet of the highest quality development of proposed retail space and 22,000 square feet of office space

H&R Retail Home Page


The trees have been cleared. So, if you drive by now, you can see into the development including the buildings being raised.

[Mr Beco]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

It's actually 22,000sf.



H&R Retail Home Page


The trees have been cleared. So, if you drive by now, you can see into the development including the buildings being raised.

actually its 18,203sf, but yeah, its underway. Should be a boon for the area!

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by Barry Rock

actually its 18,203sf, but yeah, its underway. Should be a boon for the area!

Where did you get your source? I see multiple sources stating 22,000 including the Resolution on the approved DSP-13009. Is there a document that indicates a reduced size of office space? I don't see any revisions to the original DSP's as far as any reductions.

http://www.mncppcapps.org/planning/D...PDFs/13-63.pdf

Parcel B
Building 2B 12,000sf of office.

Parcel C
10,000sf of office.

[adelphi_sky]

Can someone confirm or deny if the new Whole Foods in Riverdale Park will sell wine and beer? The one in Alexandria had a nice little bar inside where people could drink wine with cheese or have a cold beer.

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

Can someone confirm or deny if the new Whole Foods in Riverdale Park will sell wine and beer? The one in Alexandria had a nice little bar inside where people could drink wine with cheese or have a cold beer.

How many liquor stores are already near it? Those guys will fight it.

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by North Beach Person

How many liquor stores are already near it? Those guys will fight it.

I think the nearest liquor store is over a mile away in each direction. The closest liquor store in College Park on Rt. 1 is a block north of Paint Branch Parkway. I'm not aware of a liquor store int eh Arts District. There are no liquor stores in the PG Plaza area. So, it would be a first for the immediate neighborhood within a mile.

I would think that at the county's flagship Whole Foods, they would include wine at least. Yes! Organic Sells wine. I think that would be unfair to Whole Foods. Even Shoppers Food Warehouse 3 miles north sells wine and beer. The new Safeway at University BLVD will have a Wine & Spirits store as part of the external retail space.

I don't think the neighborhoods would fight a store that sells wine if that store is Whole Foods. I could be wrong. They seem like the wine and cheese crowd.