San Marco is Finally Getting Its Publix

When it was first announced that Publix had signed on to open a store in San Marco, right next to the San Marco Square, there was widespread excitement at the idea. It was assumed that within a couple of years, the area would finally have a convenient grocery store.

That was in 2002.

Now, after 14 years, Regency Centers announced yesterday that it has reached an agreement with ArchCo Residential, Whitehall Realty Partners, and Bluerock Residential Group REIT to make the development a reality.

Alongside Publix, the East San Marco development will feature up to seven other ground-level retail and restaurant tenants that have yet to be determined. There will also be 239 apartments located above the retail component.

The location is ideal, positioned across Hendricks Ave. from the San Marco Square. The entrance for the Publix will reside at the corner of Hendricks and Atlantic Blvd.

It’s a big deal for San Marco residents, and also for Publix. The dominant grocer has lost ground in Jacksonville recently with the arrival of new competition such as Trader Joes, ALDI, and Earth Fare. It also faces an imminent threat from Winn-Dixie whose new Baymeadows Rd. store hints at an aggressive reboot soon to come. In San Marco, Publix can now establish a grocery monopoly in an area with no other convenient options.

Construction is expected to begin in the summer, with a completion date of 2018.