A long-running vision by community leaders to install a grocery store in North Richmond appears on its way to reality.
Community Housing Development Corporation of North Richmond (CHDC) announced this week it is requesting proposals and qualifications for potential operators of a 3,100 square foot community grocery store. The store will soon be constructed next to the new Heritage Point affordable housing development at 1540 Fred Jackson Way.
CHDC, a nonprofit affordable housing developer that created Heritage Point as part of a community collaboration, owns the property where the grocery store will locate and will enter into a lease with the selected operator. CHDC is currently in the pre-development and financing phase of the grocery store project and aims to start construction in fiscal year 2024-2025.
Those interested in applying as a grocery store operator must respond by Feb. 5, 5 p.m., via email to [email protected]. The request for proposals documentation can be accessed here.
CHDC called the yet-to-be-built grocery store a key component of a comprehensive development plan that includes the 42-unit multifamily Heritage Point development and community resource center.
The store aims to increase access to fresh local affordable produce, other healthy foods and day to day home products. To that end, the store’s operator will be required to “stock nutritious items.” The sale of tobacco and alochol will be prohibited.
CHDC said it would be desirable for the store to additionally offer fresh deli products and made-to-order sandwiches.
“The grocery store will provide quality, affordable food staples within the North Richmond community,” the CHDC states.”To be sustainable, the grocery store will need to attract and cater to customers from the surrounding area, including residents and workers.”
