BREAKING NEWS: A week or so ago, we wrote here about a proposed Ryan Cos. mixed-use development in an emerging St. Paul neighborhood. Located at Snelling Av. and Selby Av. in Union Park, the Minneapolis-based developer has proposed 210 apartments, a new branch for Associated Bank and a grocery store.

It's confirmed: Whole Foods is the prospective grocery tenant. Construction is expected to begin by the end of the year.

Whole Foods said Thursday that it is relocating its older Grand Av. store to the Snelling/Selby site. The new store will open in 2016.

"We're incredibly excited about the opportunity to continue and expand our connection with our customers and the community of St. Paul," said Michael Bashaw, Whole Foods' Market Midwest Regional President, in a statement.

The current store on Grand Av. will stay open as the new one is constructed.

Janet Moore covers commercial real estate for the Star Tribune.