After much anticipation and years of planning, Kroger is finally embarking on an exciting new venture in Arlington. The July 6th groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of construction at the highly awaited location on 5270 Airline Road. This $22.3 million project has been long-awaited by residents and town officials, who have patiently waited for approximately seven years to see this vision come to life. Despite facing delays and uncertainties, the day has finally arrived, and the community couldn’t be more thrilled.
Mayor Mike Wissman expressed his gratitude for the project’s commencement, stating that the question on everyone’s lips has been the future of Kroger in Arlington. Town officials faced challenges in obtaining a commitment from Kroger regarding their specific plans and timeline, which has been a source of frustration. However, even without a concrete future in place, Kroger’s acquisition of the site has already had a significant impact on the area’s development. Arlington is now looking forward to nearly $1 billion in new and committed projects, signaling a positive transformation in the town since Kroger selected this location back in 2016.
The new Kroger store at 5270 Airline Road is expected to be a game-changer for the community. Plans include a sprawling 103,402-square-foot multi-department store, along with a nine-pump fuel center. This state-of-the-art facility will be approximately 2.5 times larger than the existing Arlington Kroger located at 7615 U.S. 70, offering residents a significantly enhanced shopping experience. Construction is set to be completed by next summer, and the community eagerly awaits the grand opening.
Rendering of the $22.3-million Korger at 5270 Airline Road in Arlington. (Courtesy Town of Arlington)
While the future of the existing Arlington Kroger remains uncertain, as Kroger has not yet commented on its fate, the focus is on celebrating the arrival of this new and improved store. The positive impact on the community cannot be understated. Kroger’s investment in Arlington has already spurred additional development in the surrounding area. The $100 million mixed-use Providence Place project is currently in its early stages behind the Kroger site, and the Baptist Arlington Emergency Department, along with the adjacent medical office complex, opened its doors earlier this year. Moreover, numerous commercial projects are underway and planned across the street from the new Kroger, further enhancing the appeal of the area. In addition, the approval of the up-to-$700 million Hawthorne mixed-use project across from Baptist’s facility in March highlights the area’s growth potential.
Michael Cristal, Kroger’s Delta Division President, highlighted the various factors considered when opening a new store. With the ongoing growth in the Town of Arlington, Kroger’s team believed that now is the ideal time to move forward with this ambitious project. The community’s expanding needs and the promising future of Arlington played a pivotal role in Kroger’s decision.
Tonia Howell, Director of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, expressed her enthusiasm for the new store, emphasizing the positive impact on the community. The larger Kroger store will better serve the residents of Arlington, offering a wider range of products and services. Additionally, the increased presence of Kroger will keep tax dollars within the community, contributing to its economic vitality.
The groundbreaking ceremony today is a momentous occasion for Arlington. As Kroger’s construction plans come to fruition, the community eagerly awaits the day when they can step inside the new store and experience all it has to offer. The transformation of this area signifies progress, growth, and a brighter future for Arlington residents.