Is Whole Foods Market bringing a megastore to South Beach?
According to the South Florida Business Journal, real-estate developer Crescent Heights is proposing to build a Whole Foods Market at 1901 Alton Rd. The market would be within walking distance to two Publix stores and the Fresh Market in Sunset Harbour.
See also: Whole Foods Market in Downtown Miami Opens Tomorrow (Photos)
The property, owned by Wells Fargo Bank, would house the organic grocer in a whopping 55,351-square-foot, four-story structure. The proposal includes 39,601 square feet of retail space for Whole Foods, including a 185-seat restaurant inside the market. Wells Fargo would also move into the building. In addition, there are plans for a 300-space parking garage on the upper floors of the structure.
The City of Miami Beach Planning Board heard the application for the proposed structure last week and continued the vote till February 24. If the initial application is met with approval at that time, the proposal for the new market must go up for a second board approval, which is scheduled for March 3.
A representative for Whole Foods Market said that the Austin-based grocer "announces new stores every quarter during the earnings call" and that "it's all speculation at this point."
No word, either, on whether Whole Foods would keep the current location at 1200 Alton Rd., which has few of the amenities found at the chain's newer stores, like the downtown Miami location, which features an in-store Jugofresh and partners with local vendors like Zak the Baker and Versailles restaurant.
Follow Laine Doss on Twitter @LaineDoss and Facebook.
Follow Short Order on Facebook, Twitter @Short_Order, and Instagram @ShortOrder.
