Whole Foods Breaks Ground For Detroit Market
DETROIT (WWJ) - Whole Foods is breaking ground Monday morning at the site of its new market in Detroit's Midtown neighborhood.
Mayor Dave Bing, Senator Debbie Stabenow and Whole Foods Market co-chief executive Walter Robb are among those taking part in the ceremony.
The Austin, Texas-based retailer plans to open a 21,000-square-foot supermarket with about 75 employees next year. The company began looking at Midtown in 2010.
Talking to WWJ Newsradio 950's Vickie Thomas, Rev. Charles Williams II said he's happy that Detroiters have another option for groceries.
"I'm glad to be here at the Whole Foods opening where we finally have access to some health food -- not just liquor and Lotto," he said.
The store will be located on Mack Ave. just east of Woodward.
Carolina, who's been living at The Ellington lofts for 10 months, is thrilled.
"We have no grocery stores in this area! So, it's nice that we're gonna have one right next door," she said.
Midtown is one of the few areas in the city that is seeing population growth. It is anchored by Wayne State University, the Detroit Medical Center, the Detroit Institute of Arts and Orchestra Hall. Whole Foods also would fill a grocery void in the area. Detroiters have long complained about having few places to buy fresh fruit, vegetables and produce.
The store is expected to open next year.
