Amazon Fresh development shrouded in uncertainty
DDA confident property will draw viable business should Amazon back away
For several months, St. Clair Shores residents have been watching the former Kroger building on Nine Mile Road transform into something else, but what exactly it will become is unclear.
Although previously announced as the future location of an Amazon Fresh grocery store, St. Clair Shores Community Development and Inspections Director Denise Pike said the city has not yet received confirmation as to what will occupy that space.
“The exterior of the building is nearing completion, but we do not have interior build-out plans as of yet,” said Pike. “We have been told that it could be one of the Amazon brands, or possibly something else.
“Nothing is confirmed as of yet.”
Earlier this year, Crain’s Detroit Business reported spaces planned for Amazon Fresh locations in Dearborn and Madison Heights were up for lease.
Amazon spokesperson Kim Kornfield said the company is not disclosing plans for specific stores at this time.
The 3.76-acre property at 22332 Nine Mile Road sits in the Downtown Development Authority area and DDA board member Kyle McKee said while he would welcome a Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh or an independent grocer, he believes any business that occupies that space will be successful.
DDA member Kyle McKee, who grew up near the site, said while he would welcome a whole foods or independent market, anything that goes in there will be busy.
“There was a lot of interest in that building, so even if it ends up being a scenario where Amazon does not follow through with its initial plans, I know whatever goes in there is going to be a success,” said McKee. “At the very least, we will have a rehabbed building and a nice new parking lot which makes the property even more attractive.”
McKee said the old Kroger building is an important piece of the DDA area and that a grocery store would help foster the walkable community idea the board is working to develop.
“I personally really like the idea of a neighborhood grocery store,” said McKee. “My parents live in the area and my mom is excited to be able to walk there and shop.
“As a DDA we are trying to push the whole walkable community and we know a lot of young people are looking to be able to walk to the grocery store.”
Like many residents, McKee hoped development at the old Kroger location would advance more quickly, but he says once construction fences are removed and parking is opened up at the site, that alone will be a huge positive addition for the area.
“Parking seems to be an issue in our downtown and right now we have a giant lot taken up by construction,” McKee said. “I trust Amazon and I like to think that whatever they decide to do there will be a good fit for the community and a hot commodity.”