“Washingtonians asked and we listened” – Target Opening Date for Whole Foods Coming to Navy Yard is early 2017

Rendering via ANC Rep David Garber

Yesterday we learned Whole Foods was coming to Navy Yard. Following is the official press release:

“Whole Foods Market, in partnership with the WC Smith real estate firm, has signed a lease for a new store location in Southeast Washington, D.C. The 36,000 square foot store will be located near Navy Yard and Nationals Park at 800 New Jersey Avenue SE. Whole Foods Market will anchor the retail portion of its $443 million development in the District’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood.

The target opening date is early 2017. There are currently four Whole Foods Markets in Washington D.C.

“Washingtonians asked and we listened,” said Scott Allshouse, Whole Foods Market Mid-Atlantic regional president. “People who live and work in Southeast have been requesting a Whole Foods Market for some time. We are thrilled about finding the right fit given the combination of factors that go into deciding on a new location.”

“We are delighted to welcome Whole Foods Market to the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood,” said Chris Smith, chairman and CEO of WC Smith. “Their dedication to healthy living and commitment to community dovetails with our mission of creating green, sustainable communities for residents of the District of Columbia.”

Whole Foods Market has been a part of the District for nearly two decades. The new store has potential of providing work to hundreds of local job-seekers. In addition, D.C. stores devote time and resources to a variety of local organizations, such as area schools, nonprofits and community groups. The company looks forward to further deepening its community connection in the District with this latest addition.

“First and foremost, this is about being able to provide fresh, wholesome food to as many people as possible,” Allshouse said. “But we aim to be more than a grocery – our stores have a strong connection with the community and neighbors around them. Whether through volunteer hours or fundraising efforts, we look forward to continuing those partnerships with our newest store in the District.”

The first component of the new development, a 432-unit luxury apartment building known as Park Chelsea, is currently under construction with a projected fall 2014 delivery date. Construction on the second building is scheduled to begin early in 2014, with a 2017 opening of the Whole Foods Market and delivery of 336 residential units. The residential units will offer 10 foot ceilings and a commanding view of the Capitol and the monumental skyline. Completion of the third Class A residential building will bring the unit total to over 1,100 for the development. All of the buildings will provide on-site parking and will be highly amenitized with club rooms, rooftop pools, and exercise facilities.

Additionally, each site will offer a unique amenity space for use by residents of all three buildings. Those amenities include an indoor lap pool, an all-purpose gymnasium, a demonstration kitchen, and a 15,000 square foot courtyard. The development is within walking distance of both the Navy Yard and Capitol South Metro stations and adjacent to newly created Canal Park with water features, ice skating rink, public art, programmed activities, and Park Tavern restaurant.”