The City of Forest Acres + Southeastern Development announced that a prototype Kroger Marketplace spanning 120,000 sqft will be the first official tenant of the redevelopment at the former Richland Mall site. The prototype supermarket will feature:
- A drive-thru pharmacy
- A fuel center
- An in-store Starbucks.
The current Kroger on Forest Drive will stay in operation while the new Kroger Marketplace is under construction.
“The announcement of Kroger becoming the anchor tenant is a pivotal moment for the redevelopment of the former Richland Mall,” added Jason Long, Vice President of Southeastern Development Associates. “The presence of a top national grocery store creates a truly special mixed-use project that will include high-end multifamily residential units, retail, dining, grocery, and a city park.”
Speaking of construction
Southeastern Development is currently removing ~nearly one million sqft of the former mall structure + clearing the debris so construction on the mixed-use property can begin — possibly by the end of this year or early next year.
Next steps
The multi-family apartment units are set to be constructed first, followed by the new Kroger, and then other retail properties. The current goal is to have several shops open their doors by 2027. The city also announced that it hopes to break ground on the new city park by the end of this year.
