Jacksonville, Florida is set to welcome a brand new Whole Foods Market, marking the third location in the area and promising to redefine the grocery landscape for Riverside residents and beyond. The highly anticipated store will be the anchor tenant of the ambitious One Riverside development project, breathing new life into the former Florida Times-Union site on the Northbank of the St. Johns River. This move signals not only the continued growth of Whole Foods Market in Northeast Florida but also the exciting evolution of Jacksonville’s urban core.
Developed by Atlanta-based Fuqua Development, the One Riverside project is poised to transform the 18.8-acre riverfront property into a vibrant mixed-use destination. Confirmation of Whole Foods Market as the anchor tenant underscores the project’s commitment to providing top-tier amenities and enhancing the quality of life for future residents and the surrounding community. The 43,000-square-foot grocery store is slated to be a cornerstone of Phase 1 of the development, with construction expected to commence in late summer. While official details from Whole Foods remain limited, a spokesperson acknowledged the development of a new Jacksonville store, generating buzz and anticipation among local shoppers.
This new Whole Foods Market location is strategically positioned to serve the growing demand for natural and organic foods in Jacksonville. The grocer first entered the Northeast Florida market in December 2008 with its Mandarin store at 10601 San Jose Blvd, followed by a second successful opening in Jacksonville Beach at 2050 3rd St. S. in October 2020. The addition of a third location at One Riverside emphasizes Whole Foods’ strong performance and commitment to the Jacksonville market.
The One Riverside development itself is a significant undertaking, representing a $250 million investment in Jacksonville’s urban revitalization. Phase 1 is designed to be a comprehensive offering, featuring not only the Whole Foods Market but also 270 multi-family apartments, a riverfront restaurant, additional retail spaces, and structured parking. Phase 2 is planned to further expand the development with 115 more apartments, additional restaurants along the river and McCoys Creek, 15,000 square feet of retail space, and potentially a marina. This ambitious scope highlights the transformative impact One Riverside is expected to have on the area.
The location of the new Whole Foods also sets up an interesting competitive dynamic in the Riverside area. It will be situated across Riverside Avenue from The Fresh Market at Brooklyn Station on Riverside, creating a concentrated hub for specialty grocery shopping. Furthermore, Publix Super Markets also maintains a presence in the vicinity with an existing store about 1.8 miles away at 2033 Riverside Ave, and another under construction in East San Marco, approximately 2 miles across the river. Despite this competitive landscape, Whole Foods Market differentiates itself with its focus on organic, natural, and high-quality products, catering to a specific segment of health-conscious and discerning shoppers.
The land acquisition for One Riverside involved Fuqua Development affiliate, Fuqua BCDC Obe Riverside Project Owner, purchasing the site for $25 million in February. Prior to this development, the property held a rich history as the home of the Florida Times-Union for over 50 years, until the newspaper relocated its offices in April 2019. Currently, demolition of the former newspaper buildings is underway, paving the way for the construction of this exciting new development. The estimated cost for demolition is around $1 million, as per city building permits.
The arrival of Whole Foods Market at One Riverside is more than just the opening of a grocery store; it represents a significant step forward in the ongoing development and enhancement of Jacksonville’s Riverside area. By anchoring a major mixed-use project, Whole Foods is contributing to the creation of a vibrant, walkable, and amenity-rich urban environment. Residents and visitors alike can look forward to a premier grocery shopping experience within a dynamic new destination on the banks of the St. Johns River. As construction progresses, anticipation will continue to build for the opening of this transformative project and the newest Whole Foods Market in Jacksonville, Florida.
