Austin Area Welcomes New Grocery Store Developments
The Austin metro area is experiencing a grocery store boom with several exciting new projects in the works. As the population continues to grow, businesses are expanding their reach to meet the demand from residents. Two notable projects currently underway include an organic grocer in Kyle and a major renovation of an H-E-B store in Round Rock.
Organic Grocer Coming to Kyle
On October 25, the city of Kyle announced that Sprouts Farmers Market is officially breaking ground for a new store. This location is part of the Brick and Mortar District at Plum Creek, which will feature a four-building retail development on nearly five acres. Situated at the northwest corner of Kohlers Crossing and Farm to Market Road 1626, this project is being developed by GBT Realty Corporation, based in Tennessee.
Residents of Kyle, a city that has a population of over 50,000, can look forward to the new Sprouts store, which will occupy over 23,000 square feet. The store is designed by BRR Architecture, while the other retail spaces will be designed by MJM Architects. Alongside Sprouts, three additional retail buildings totaling more than 18,000 square feet will also be part of the development. This project has received up to $950,000 in incentives and is expected to create around 80 jobs for the community.
H-E-B’s Revamp in Round Rock
Meanwhile, San Antonio-based H-E-B is planning a significant remodel of its store located at 603 Louis Henna Blvd. in Round Rock. A recent filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation outlined a $13 million renovation. The project will not increase the store’s size but will result in a substantial transformation of its look and functionality.
The renovations include demolishing parts of the exterior and redesigning the front entrance. Inside, upgrades will be made to the restrooms, pharmacy, and flooring. H-E-B will also replace cooler cases, walk-in coolers, and freezers in the main grocery area and the curbside space. Construction on the remodel is scheduled to begin in February 2024 and is expected to last until November 2024, although company reps believe it may finish sooner.
Growing Grocery Footprint in Austin Metro
These two projects are part of a broader trend of grocery stores expanding throughout the Austin metro area. According to a retail report by Weitzman, the Austin metro is on track for about 572,000 square feet of retail construction in new and expanded projects, including grocery stores and other businesses. H-E-B is responsible for nearly half of that new space, as it continues to meet the demands of a growing population.
H-E-B currently operates around 50 stores in the metro and has revealed plans for additional locations. They are looking to introduce a new store in San Marcos and have set an opening date for their Manor store. Additionally, they have plans for a third Georgetown location, although no announcements have been made regarding Del Valle, where they own property.
Conclusion
The future looks bright for grocery shopping in the Austin area. With the arrival of the new Sprouts store in Kyle and the significant renovations at the H-E-B in Round Rock, residents can expect improved shopping experiences and more options as the area continues to grow. Grocery stores are not only expanding their footprint but also contributing to local job creation and community development. Keep an eye out for more announcements as we move into 2024, as the retail landscape in the Austin metro is set to transform.
Retail Centers List
For those interested in exploring other retail centers in the region, the following locations are notable:
- Kyle’s Brick and Mortar District
- H-E-B locations in San Marcos and Georgetown
- New expansions from Sprouts Farmers Market throughout Austin
