Construction to Start on Whole Foods Market in Marlboro

Whole Foods Market, the upscale purveyor of organic and natural products, is coming to Marlboro, at the intersection of Route 9 and Route 520.

Ground will be broken in the upcoming weeks on the first store of the Austin-based chain in western Monmouth County. The actual grand opening has not yet been announced. Whole Foods operates 10 other stores in New Jersey, with locations in Red Bank and Princeton.

The market will become part of the new 100,000 square foot Marlboro Commons shopping center. Walgreens and PNC Bank will also be occupants of the shopping center.

"We're looking to round out the mix with upscale tenants that are complementary to the type of clientele that Whole Foods will draw to the center," said Richard J. Brunelli, president of the R.J. Brunelli & Co retail real estate brokerage, in a written statement.

Brunelli said the new center is a prime spot in a high traffic area, located on the "going home" side of Route 9 for commuters, in an area with an average household income of more than $124,000.