Shop 'n Save confirms plans for store in Hill District
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Mary A. Finnson has waited a long time for a supermarket to open in her Hill District neighborhood. Her patience finally may be paying off.
As first reported in the Post-Gazette, the Hill House Economic Development Corp. announced Wednesday that it was partnering with Shop 'n Save and independent grocer Jeff Ross to open a 29,500-square-foot full-service supermarket on city-owned land at Centre Avenue and Heldman Street.
The store won't open until probably Thanksgiving 2011, but that's OK with Ms. Finnson, who lives on Dinwiddie Street near the store site.
"If I waited 30 to 40 years for it, I guess I can wait another year," she said.
Ms. Finnson joined dozens of residents, dignitaries and politicians who endured knee-buckling heat to hear the news that the Hill House EDC had reached a lease agreement with Mr. Ross to operate the long-awaited grocery, the Hill's first since the 1980s.
The announcement came nearly eight months after another operator, Kuhn's Market, dropped its bid to build a store at the same location, apparently because of health issues related to its owner.
"This is a day of fulfillment," said Jules Matthews, Hill House EDC executive director.
The Hill Shop 'n Save will feature a deli, a bakery, fresh produce, frozen and prepared foods, and health and beauty care products. Officials also plan to seek a silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating for the building from the U.S. Green Building Council.
Customers also will have access to Shop 'n Save's Pump Perks gas reward program, double coupons and special sales. The store is expected to create up to 100 union jobs, and Mr. Ross vowed to hire from the neighborhood.
Victor Roque, Hill House president and CEO, said the agency hoped to break ground on the store by late summer or early fall, with the goal to finish by Thanksgiving 2011, if not sooner.
First Published July 8, 2010 12:00 am
