The new free-standing Marketplace store will feature a fuel station, drive-through pharmacy, and an in-store Starbucks.
FOREST ACRES, S.C. — While redevelopment continues at the former Richland Mall site at the intersection of Forest Drive and Beltline Boulevard in Forest Acres, one big-name grocer has committed to a spot at the new shopping center.
Kroger will be moving from its location across the street, at 3403 Forest Drive, to a new 120,000-square-foot Kroger Marketplace.
“Kroger has deep roots in Forest Acres, so it’s exciting to hear they’re committed to making such a significant investment in our community. Not only are they staying, but they’re also expanding with us through this public-private partnership, helping to bring our vision for this new space at the gateway to our city to life,” said Forest Acres Mayor Thomas Andrews.
The new Kroger Marketplace will feature a drive-through pharmacy, grocery pick-up, an in-store Starbucks, and a separate fuel center.
“We are excited to be a part of the team bringing our new Kroger Marketplace to the community,” said Victor Smith, president of Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “As an employer, food processor, retailer, healthcare provider, and more, we have a responsibility to create positive change and deliver on our purpose to feed the human spirit.”
Andrews said having the new Kroger store anchor the shopping center at the Richland Mall site will encourage other retailers to move in as well.
“(The developers have) about 50,000 square feet in retail and restaurant (space). As the project gets a little bit further along, they’re really going to be looking for tenants,” the mayor explained.
Residents said they are excited about the new store. Jacob Jacovetti said he just hopes the development maintains some green space.
“I just hope they don’t do like a gigantic parking lot, because a big part of the project was supposed to be green space,” he said.
The shopping center will sit along Forest Drive, with the new park behind it. The mayor said the park will feature an amphitheater for concerts, a great lawn, even space for a farmers’ market.
“So it’s really not just a space for apartments or a grocery store or some restaurants and retail, it’s really a community space, and that’s the exciting thing,” Andrews said.
The mayor explained that representatives from Forest Acres, as well as developers for the project, have met with various businesses, including several breweries from around the area, but didn’t have any additional tenants to announce Thursday. He added the new shopping center with the Kroger store is scheduled to open in 2027, and that the city hopes to open the new park and green space at the same time.
The current Kroger will remain open until construction is completed at the new Kroger Marketplace.
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