Groundbreaking Ceremony Conducted For Whole Foods In South Windsor

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Local leaders and principals involved in construction of a Whole Foods store at the Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk gathered at the plaza Tuesday to officially break ground on the new site.

The Texas-based retailer, which sells products free from hydrogenated fats and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives, received approval last summer for a 50,000 square-foot store on the western end of the plaza. It would be in the location formerly occupied by Highland Park Market, which closed in 2010, and Old Navy and Sakura Gardens, which were relocated elsewhere within Evergreen Walk.

During her brief remarks, Mayor Liz Pendleton acknowledged the presence of town resident Daria Plummer, who is "beyond excited" to have the store coming to South Windsor.

"Former mayor [Andrew] Paterna sits on the senior advisory council, and when he announced there would be a groundbreaking today, I just went beyond bonkers," Plummer said. "I have been a fan of Whole Foods for a number of years. They have some items I particularly like, and I go out of my way to go to West Hartford or Glastonbury. I am thrilled; it will bring far more economic development and foot traffic to Evergreen Walk."

Charter Realty & Development principal Paul Brandes did not give an estimated opening date for the new store.