WASHINGTON (May 6, 2015) – MRP Realty, developers of commercial, residential and mixed-use real estate across the Washington metropolitan region, and Ellis Development Group (Ellis), today announced that Whole Foods Market has signed a lease for an approximately 40,000-square-foot store at 965 Florida Avenue, NW. No target opening date has been set.
“Whole Foods Market is a best-in-class grocer that matches well with our development,” said MRP Principal Matt Robinson. “Their addition will not only be an asset to the project, but to the local community.”
“For years, residents this side of U Street and Shaw have been eagerly waiting for a high-quality natural and organic grocery store,” said Chip Ellis, president of Ellis Development Group. “We look forward to working with Whole Foods Market to create the best possible space for them and their customers.”
“With so much excitement surrounding a possible location in Shaw – a fun, vibrant and culturally significant neighborhood – we’re thrilled to make it official,” said Whole Foods Market Mid-Atlantic Region President Scott Allshouse. “We look forward to offering our customers – both longtime shoppers and those new to us – access to even more of the highest quality natural and organic products available and show why we’re called ‘America’s Healthiest Grocery Store.’”
Whole Foods Market currently has 417 stores in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., with 44 in its Mid-Atlantic Region. The company is a leading natural and organic grocer with a commitment to transparency and maintaining the highest quality standards in the industry. Its quality standards for food prohibit artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, preservatives or hydrogenated fats.
Located at 965 Florida Avenue, 965 Florida Ave. is a District-owned parcel near Howard University. In July 2013, MRP won the District’s bid to redevelop the parcel in a joint venture with Ellis.
The 370,000-square-foot mixed-use building will feature approximately 400 residential units, 30 percent of which will be made available as affordable dwelling units. MRP and Ellis will begin processing the Planned Unit Development for the building this summer.
