The speculations that the Whole Foods planned for Harlem will be at one of the newer constructions sites on 125th now turns out to be true based on a couple statements reported in the media yesterday. Unfortunately one of current projects already rising on the commercial corridor has not been selected and the inactive lot at 100 West 125th Street at Lenox Avenue will be the new location according the NYC Whole Foods Facebook site:
LINK.
That retail building has yet to even break ground and apparently the Harlem Whole Foods will not be ready to open until 2015. Beyond the opening date, not much other relevant information can be found except that other tenants for the new 5-story commercial building will also have a Burlington Coat Factory:
LINK
Great news! 2015 does not suprise me - 2012 is almost over and figure two years since they still have to break ground. I think this will do very well here and bring healthier food to the neighborhood. As I have said before, one can buy a precooked chicken and pick up some veggies and bread for the cost of feeding a family of 4 at mcdonalds. 125th street is finally transforming ... And i think this is positive not negative. I think it can still retain its charachter as long as they dont crack down too much on the street vendors.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant news. The phantom Whole Foods is becoming a reality.
ReplyDeleteHallelujah
ReplyDeleteMore retail.
ReplyDeleteYay.
And Whole Foods is probably too expensive for 3/4 of the neighborhood.
At least there will be a hotel going up at the Harlem Victoria site.
LOL - at least 1/3 of that 3/4 are in StarB's, Social Corner, etc so lets face facts - folks will put out the $, even go in debt at times to be seen at the "fashionable" new spots
DeleteVic, the fallacy is that Whole Foods only carries super expensive products. They also have their private label collection of products which competes easily with any other supermarket.
ReplyDeleteWhole Foods will be a very welcomed addition and Vic i think you will be pleasantly surprised at how well it will do in Harlem.
A lot of their stuff IS very pricey but as BBC states, their 362 house brand is really quite affordable. I hope they have bulk items--the 96 th Street branch does but the Chelsea branch does not.
DeleteNow that ... is a great day in Harlem!
ReplyDeleteAm delighted to learn this...talk about transforming a block/streetscape + jobs!
ReplyDeleteThe BEST thing to come out of it. However you'll have a hard time getting a seat to eat the food you purchase, like at the StarB's on Adam CP Blvd and 125th. Many folks live there; they be making earrings, having serious pow wows/business meetings, surfing the net for hours...NO JOKE
DeleteHarlemBBC, you are spot on. There are actually affordable options in Whole Foods. I didn't know this until I actually set foot in one.
ReplyDeleteFinally. Been waiting on this for a while now.
ReplyDeleteChris, I shop there all the time, I like the fact that it is clean, does not smell like cat urine or some other unknown smell, has a wonderful prepared food bar and most importantly they hire from the neighbourhoods they move in to. The one on Columbus has really boosted the employment ranks of the local kids there.
ReplyDeleteI might just have to put in my resume :)
Given a set date of 2015 for completion gives many developers an accurate timeline to create more new residential buildings within its 10 block radius. Also.. Columbia's new Science Campus should be completed!! WholeFood's has been a major game changer in all New York City residential communities and it will also work in Harlem!!
ReplyDeleteWhile I am happy to hear this being confirmed I wish it was here yesterday. We still have to trek all the way down to 96th street or lower to go to Whole Foods for the next 2 years. The lot is open. I don't see why it can't be completed faster. Out of the 4 stores that they rolled out (2 in BK, 2 in Manhattan) the Harlem one is opening the latest. There is plenty of money in Harlem and people would be surprised to see how many of us trek downtown to Whole foods for better food options.
ReplyDeleteYeah, why is it going to take so long? Some of these buildings go up in the space of a year.
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate, but this Whole Foods, especially on such a prominent location, will not be welcome with some in Harlem who are against any progress that may be seen as gentrification, regardless of jobs, organic food and other positives.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm personally super-excited for Whole Foods to come to Harlem, I do have concerns for the good folks at Wild Olive Market just an avenue away. While obviously a tiny fraction of the size, they've done a good job bringing organic healthy foods to Central Harlem. Would hate to see them lose business.
ReplyDeleteI've been to Wild Olive two times and both times I was underwhelmed. What am I missing?
DeleteI like Wild Olive, good selection, prices and staff, and they are a true Harlem pioneer.
ReplyDelete