Business & Tech

More Upgrades Coming for North Old Town? First Street Giant Likely to See Changes

Mosaic District developers purchase grocery store.

Edens, the South Carolina developer responsible for bringing the mixed-use Mosaic District to Merrifield, plans to work their magic on a block of property in North Old Town, according to a report by The Washington Post.

Edens has purchased the Giant store at 530 First St. in North Old Town. The store is reportedly one of the oldest in the chain, opening in 1951, and could either see a facelift or demolition, but no decision has reportedly been made.

Giant sold its store at Bradlee Shopping Center in Alexandria, which closed last summer. It was renovated and became the home of The Fresh Market, which opened last month.

There is already one grocery store in the North Old Town area and another that will open soon: Trader Joe's grocery store at 612 N. St. Asaph St., is about four blocks south of the Giant, and a Harris Teeter is opening this year between the two, at The Kingsley apartment building at 500 Madison St. The Kingsley is expected to open this year.

While there is an enthusiastic crowd for Trader Joe's, the 100 reviews of this location on Yelp say parking can be difficult and it's popularity can be a drawback on busy weekends.

Edens is also under contract to purchase an ABC store next door to the Giant, according to the Washington Post article.

In other nearby grocery store news in Alexandria:

  • Giant is building a new store at Potomac Yard that is expected to open next year.
  • Alexandria Economic Development Partnership officials have said they have shopped the 20,000-square-foot E. Monroe Avenue Giant space to several potential retailers, including The Fresh Market. 
  • Work is moving swiftly along at a new 55,000-square-foot, $11 million Safeway store going up at 3526 King Street in Alexandria, replacing the old Safeway.


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