And in Other Big Grocery Store News – Scuttlebutt Confirmed – Whole Foods Coming to H Street in Late 2016!

600 Block of H Street, NE

It’s a big day for grocery store news. Back in February of this year we first heard the scuttlebutt about a Whole Foods coming to Street. From a press release:

“Whole Foods Market, in partnership with Insight Property Group and The Lionstone Group, has signed a lease for a new store location at 600 H Street NE in Washington, D.C. This is the second lease signed in two weeks, most recently 800 New Jersey Avenue SE, furthering Whole Foods Market’s commitment to the District.

The H Street store will be approximately 38,000 square feet with a target opening date of late 2016. There are currently four stores in Washington, D.C. and one in development in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood.

Rendering and more info after the jump.

“The H Street corridor is a thriving hub of diversity and cultural richness – a perfect match for Whole Foods Market’s goal to support each and every community we’re in,” said Scott Allshouse, Whole Foods Market’s Mid-Atlantic regional president. “Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to this neighborhood, we are proud to have the opportunity to join you and help write the next page of history. Being among the flourishing food scene, culture offerings of the arts district and the exciting mix of residents will make Whole Foods Market a great partner to those in the community.”

Whole Foods Market recognizes the historical significance of an area like the H Street corridor and has worked with partners like Mayor Vincent Gray’s office and Insight Property Group to ensure the best fit for the new site and help facilitate economic growth.

“Whole Foods Market has been great partners with the neighborhoods it serves, and they have provided high quality jobs to our City. The thriving H Street corridor embodies many of the characteristics that Whole Foods Market values: innovation, diversity, history and culture. I hope that Whole Foods Market continues to identify other neighborhoods, particularly those with underserved food and grocery needs, where they can continue to add value, energy, wholesome food choices and economic growth to the people of the District of Columbia,” stated Mayor Gray.

The development will bring approximately 430 multifamily units, 75,000 square feet of retail and two levels of below-grade parking to the H Street community, anchoring the corridor and reconnecting the two ends of the neighborhood. The project will achieve a minimum of LEED Silver certification and include green roofs, rooftop garden plots and landscaped area, energy efficient systems and promote numerous transportation options.

“This new Whole Foods Market at 6th and H will be more than a store. It will create a gathering place and a retail anchor at the heart of the community for years to come,” according to Richard Hausler, Principal of Insight Property Group. “That’s what ‘five minute living’ means – walking distance to everything. Whole Foods Market brings this idea to life on H Street with this new store. We are very grateful to all of the city leaders and our neighbors on H Street for making it happen.”

You can see an updated rendering of the building: