Winn-Dixie, the hub of the newly constructed Mid-City Market, will open for business tomorrow. This brings the tally of Mid-City supermarkets to two (Louisiana-owned Rouse's is across the street), which is quite the feat considering the quasi-food desert status of the area just years ago. The grocery scene is hoppin' over here with Costco set to open this fall on North Carrollton plus the Whole Foods on North Broad Street. The Mid-City Market, a $40 million plaza, takes over the block once occupied by the blighted, Hurricane Katrina-damaged Bohn Ford car dealership. The 107,000-square foot shopping center has 14 stores with room for about three more. As we mentioned last month, chain stores (Office Depot, Panera Bread, GNC, and more!) moving in is new territory for most keep-it-local New Orleanians, but neighborhood association and community leaders say this beats the alternative of a blighted block.
· Winn-Dixie Opens Wednesday as Anchor Store in Mid-City Market $40 million Retail Development [nola.com]
· Suburban-ish Shopping Center Takes Over Blighted Block [Curbed NOLA]