Just Listed: Good Grocer hoping to build new story, with apartments

The Good Grocer proposes building a six-story building with its store on the ground floor and 80 apartments above on what's now a parking lot at 27th Street and Nicollet Avenue S. in Minneapolis. The design has space for 80 vehicles in a surface lot and one level of underground parking.

The project is part of a wave of grocery stores being integrated into new developments with residences and sometimes offices.

The Good Grocer, which was founded in 2015, used to be located about four blocks away on Lake Street, but it was forced to relocate to make way for a new exit ramp off Interstate 35W.

"It is our belief that this building will not only give the neighborhood better access to healthy, affordable food, but will also help meet the growing demand for housing," Good Grocer founder Kurt Vickman wrote to city planning staff.

Good Grocer's business model relies on more than 500 volunteers who run the store in exchange for a 25 percent discount on groceries. Residents in the apartments will also be offered a discount.

Last August, the Good Grocer purchased the vacant lot from First & First LLC for $825,000, according to state records.

Construction is expected to begin this summer and finish in the summer of 2019.

The lightly colored space was redesigned to reflect the company's Nordic heritage and showcase its products. An assortment of Marvin windows was used to create glass sidelights at individual work alcoves. Marvin's large sliding doors were incorporated into conference and break rooms.

"Our goal was to create more space, as well as a space that enhances creative thinking and encourages collaboration — ultimately changing the way we work," Christine Marvin, design director at Marvin, said in a statement. "Another goal was to give employees the opportunity to experience the beauty and design flexibility of the windows and doors we create."

The office, located not far from Sibley Memorial Highway near Cedar Avenue, was designed by Shea Design with Greiner Construction doing the build out.