Residents in downtown Columbus have long desired a grocery store they could call their own, and now it seems their wait is coming to an end. Giant Eagle has announced plans to open a 20,000-square-foot Market District store as part of the new Peninsula Phase II development, located at the intersection of Broad and Belle streets. According to a Columbus Navigator report, the grocery store will feature fresh produce, meats, seafood, ready-to-eat meals, as well as beer and wine offerings.
With construction expected to commence in 2026, this project aligns with the urban sprawl and increased residential demand in downtown Columbus. As reported by WBNS, Amy Taylor, president of Downtown Columbus Inc., said, "I've been doing this for almost 20 years. People have said, 'Why don't we have a downtown grocery store?'" Tying together Downtown and Franklinton and future transit plans, the store's strategic positioning is anticipated to boost the area's appeal among current and potential residents.
The new store promises to be an integral part of The Peninsula, which boasts 250 apartments above an attached parking garage. Reflecting on the significance of this move, Bill Artman, President and CEO of Giant Eagle, told WBNS, "This is a proud moment for our team in Central Ohio and an important milestone for how we plan to elevate our commitment to this region in the years to come."
Despite earlier plans for a larger building, the development has seen several revisions. Originally proposed as a 30-story construction with an entertainment center and hotel, the ambitious project has been scaled back to at least 10 stories, as the building's ultimate height continues to be under consideration, per a statement obtained by The Columbus Dispatch. Madison Cole, a spokesperson for Downtown Columbus Inc., indicated that the design tweaks are ongoing, and the grocery store will occupy half of the ground floor of the adjusted mixed-use building.
Alex Fischer, Chairman of the Downtown Columbus Inc. Board of Directors, envisioned the evolved Downtown: "When we talk about growing to 40,000 residents and 120,000 workers Downtown, we’re not just talking about buildings – we’re talking about creating a complete community," a sentiment echoed in an interview with Columbus Navigator. The venture involves collaboration among The Daimler Group, Flaherty & Collins, the city, and Downtown Columbus, Inc. This development reflects a confidence in Downtown Columbus's evolution into a dense, walkable urban neighborhood, answering a long-standing community request for accessible grocery options.
