A second Whole Foods grocery store is coming to the greater Orlando area, but where it will reside remains a mystery as two Winter Park developers compete for the popular grocery chain according to the Orlando Business Journal.
Two different developers - Dan Bellows, developer of the mixed-use Ravaudage project and UP Development Inc., owner of Orlando Fashion Square mall - both want the next Whole Foods with each, in an almost old Western movie-like situation, sitting on opposite corners of U.S. Highway 17-92.
Bellows wants the Whole Foods to occupy a 35,000-45,000 square foot space in his Ravaudage project, an urban complex that will include shops, eateries, offices, medical offices, a hotel and a residential element, the Journal reports.
A Miller's Ale House currently resides there with plans to (hopefully) add a Whole Foods and everything listed above in the near future.
The other developer, Franklin, Tennessee-based Up Development, who recently acquired ownership of the Orlando Fashion Square Mall - paying $35 million for the dwindling facility back in February - also wants in on the Whole Foods action.
They've asked Winter Park for approval of a 40,000-square-foot space for a Whole Foods Market just east of where Lee Road ends at 17-92.
Regardless of where it will be located, the Whole Foods will face some serious competition when it comes to grocery stores in Winter Park. Nearby, the area plays home to Publix and Chamberlin’s, a nearly-complete Fresh Market, and a Trader Joe’s coming soon.
We'll keep you updated as more news arises.
