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Whole Foods to Open New Store at 10th and Gilman

The store is expected to open in late 2014.

From a Whole Foods Market press release:

Whole Foods Market announced Wednesday that it has signed a lease for a new store in the Gilman District project at 10th and Gilman Streets in Berkeley.  The store will be an estimated 30,500 square feet, with a projected opening date of late 2014.

Construction of the Whole Foods Market store will begin late this year once Office Depot, current occupant of the location, relocates across the street.

The developer of the Gilman District project is Foothill Pratt Ventures of El Dorado Hills, California. Avila Design of Berkeley is the lead architect. Interior store design will be led by the Whole Foods Market Northern California construction and design team led by Adam Smith, executive coordinator of design and construction. The new store will be constructed within the existing building and parking at the site will be increased by reconstruction of an adjacent structure.

Construction of the new Office Depot store, within other existing buildings, at the property is already under way.

“Whole Foods Market is excited to open this much-awaited second store in Berkeley," said Rob Twyman,president, Whole Foods Market Northern California and Reno Region. “We look forward to being able to serve more of Berkeley and to working with its residents and city leadership to build a great store that supports the community in a variety of aspects – be it education on healthy eating or donating to local non-profits. Additionally, we’re pleased to announce that we will be bringing approximately 200 new jobs to Berkeley.”

“I’m delighted with the commitment from Whole Foods Market to our vision for the property, restoring to the neighborhood to a vibrant retail shopping district,” said Douglas Wiele, managing partner of Foothill Pratt. “I’d especially like to acknowledge the assistance of the City of Berkeley in getting us through the planning process and under construction. This has been a great team effort.”

Wiele added, “I’m also pleased that Foothill and Whole Foods Market were able to reflect community sustainability values by reusing existing structures and improvements in putting the Gilman District project together, rather than engaging in the construction of new buildings at the site.”

“We are thrilled that Whole Foods Market will be opening a second location in Berkeley,” said Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates. “We are thankful to Whole Foods Market for its investment in our community and for providing new jobs for our residents.” 

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Gilman District Whole Foods Market store will be planned for this summer. Ceremony and other store details and employment opportunities will be released as they become available.

Will you welcome the addition of a Whole Foods Market in West Berkeley? Tell us in the comments section beow. 

i.m.perfect February 15, 2013 at 02:50 pm
Dover u.r.ugly.
David Sanger February 15, 2013 at 03:19 pm
Certainly there was local opposition as well and WF may have been wary already but since almost all of the planning had been completed I still think the Occupy kerfuffle played a huge part in scuttling the deal and that didn't originate in Albany.
David Sanger February 15, 2013 at 03:20 pm
No argument here defending the Pilch lawsuit, another legal hassle the City has to deal with.
Tatter Salad February 15, 2013 at 05:20 pm
Please folks: don't choke on 'reality' here... please separate history, and things we can't change from things YOU CAN CHANGE!
IF: a) you don't like the ongoing absolutely 'stagnant' behavior of Albany?...while those those partially responsible for creating the lawsuits AGAINST the City are ON our Commissions? b) you want the 'very best' for our schools, yet our School 'System' is so $ top-heavy that we don't have decent funds for activities; and the School Board is controlled by the School 'System', not the other way around? (ie. Want to 're-purpose' half a million / year that could help studentls? Easy: Ask the board to tell our School Superintendent (@$360K+/yr) and her Assistant (@$224K+/yr.), to ”grab a parachute; times up! -The 'good-ol-girl-scheme' is over!” Use the 'superior' Piedmont School District as a model for instance. We could hire 8 new teachers on the salary given to our Superintendent alone! THEN: simply WRITE your elected officials regarding your concerns, telling them you expect better: THEY appointed individuals on these impotent commissions in the first place. Let them know it's time to clean house! Express your concern to: cityhall@albanyca.org Don't worry, the names of sluggard Council Members will eventually surface, if they don't 'get' your message. Most of them are on YOUR side... but perhaps not all.
Senior A. Titude February 15, 2013 at 05:26 pm
Not sure it even matters who we elect - see the recent AT&T lawsuit. It only takes one hater...
Preston Jordan February 15, 2013 at 06:38 pm
Regarding the law suit brought by AS&R and C0A, once again those organizations sought to avoid filing a suit. At approximately 2 am of the Council's final meeting, after the close of public comment, the Council received and approved changes altering mitigation measures relevant to the mission of the two groups (accommodating people cycling and walking and reducing Albany's greenhouse pollution).
The groups subsequently asked staff and the Mayor to extend the deadline to allow for discussion short of legal action. The City chose not to do so. Consequently the only avenue left to motivate conversation was filing of a suit. All parties continue to participate in good faith in settlement discussions. As is evident from the court record, parties have repeatedly joined to successfully request delay in court proceedings so these discussions could continue.
Preston Jordan February 15, 2013 at 06:44 pm
Left unaddressed in the article or comments is the time line prior to the Council's final approval. It is my understanding Whole Foods signed a five-year agreement in 2007. The agreement stated planning would be complete and construction started in 2009. Construction would be complete and the store opened in 2012.
Obviously the project was far off this pace long before the law suits and referendum occurred. It is doubtful the referendum or other law suit would have occurred had the project stayed on pace. The environmental impact report for this project took three years from the notice of preparation (March 2008) to the issuance of the final report (February 2011). By contrast the report for the West Berkeley Bowl took ten months (notice of preparation July 2005, final issuance May 2006). Why did the EIR take two years longer than is typical? This was not the community's fault, and should be included in any retrospective examination. It is also noteworthy that based on the square footage given in the article Whole Foods will be building a store on Gilman just over half the size of the store approved for Albany. Had this approach been taken in Albany, it might have deflated much of the criticism directed at the project by some groups (although the square footage was and is not a factor in AS&R and C0A's consideration).
Tatter Salad February 16, 2013 at 12:36 am
That's history Jordan... and we are saying 'so what.' Those that sue the City also are on our Commissions. Do you not see that it is NOT in our best interest to have individuals that are willing to charge us (in lawyer fees) for carrying out their own personal agenda's? From their behavior, do you think they hold the Public's best interest at heart, when their Rollers & Strollers Politcal agenda that canned the WF project? They wanted the entire WF project to be a 'story' higher to make room for a bike path! Hello!
Tatter Salad February 16, 2013 at 12:45 am
What's your point Jordan? Anyone knows a corner location on Gilman would be a marked improvement over a location buried under an old folks home, and behind a 4 lane bike path.
The problem remains is that at least TWO of those who were active in lawsuits against the City, and continue to hold forth on our Commissions. You know, 'Comission', a collective of chosen individuals for their fairness and intelligence, that hopefully DON'T SUE when they disagree with the majority City Council opinion, a City Council that appointed them. Commissions, that when attendance is low, can easily derail a Phone Tower for instance.
David Sanger February 16, 2013 at 05:14 am
"We need to make our voices heard if we want to encourage and support a thriving business district and all the benefits that can bring to both our city and school district."
Indeed Peg. We can start by encouraging the new Council to begin by moving beyond the delays and obstruction and finally allow the AT&T wireless installation at 1035 San Pablo to go forward and to deny the last-ditch appeal of P&Zs approval of the project. The issue will be decided at the upcoming Council meeting Tuesday 2/19 at 7:30pm. Once the appeal is taken care of it there is every reason to believe the current lawsuit in Federal court will be resolved.
Bernard Knapp February 16, 2013 at 12:51 pm
I have heard all the excuses for the shortsighted and deplorable behavior of the Strollers and Rollers many times. Like the Sierra Club's recent suit to block the Tahoe plan, the Stroller's excuses are hollow. The fact is, they care nothing for the good of the community except when it involves their narrow focus on bicycle access at any cost. The fact is, the Strollers sued to block the development, and the suit worked. Combined with the efforts of non-residents who were duped by antidevelopment interests into believing the UC development plan would involve building on the Gill Tract, their lawsuit sank the project. It is time for our City officials to stop pandering to these single interest pressure groups and non-Albany political organizations like the Sierra Club, and look to the interests of our City as a whole, not just as a vehicle for the political and social agendas of the few. If they won't, it's time to turn them and their appointees to City commissions out of office.
Tony Caine February 16, 2013 at 06:53 pm
I am unclear on why there has been such a single-minded focus on a food store at the site. It has already been pointed out that the tax revenue per square foot is much lower for a food store than almost any other kind of store. Why isn't there any discussion about the alternatives that could bring Albany more income from the site than Whole Foods. Almost any large successful business could serve as an anchor for the area. I would think that UC would be willing to change the development agreement if necessary to accommodate other kinds of stores.
Maybe we should also revisit expanded gambling at the racetrack - i.e. card room
Tatter Salad February 16, 2013 at 07:20 pm
I share your confusion as to this focus as well Tony. Obviously, since quasi-Bicycle groups are willing to file suit over it, we should not forget that this is U.C. land, and ANYTHING that U.C. attempts no matter how mundane, from Earth Quake retro-fitting the stadium, or discovering better food corn, is jumped on by those with Anti-capitalist leanings. It's been that way here since the late 60's.
The glimmer of profit from gambling has come and gone for the Track I'm afraid. Also, when I surveyed the (Albany) public sentiment when it was put on the ballot, (and barely passed), the actual opinions were polemic in one direction. That is: those that 'supported' it really didn't care one way or the other; while those that 'opposed' to it were screaming fanatics against gambling. Seriously. Albany taxpayers spent $600k on 'discovering' just what the best (read 'publicly accepted') use of the Race Track could be, and that resulted in reams of well supported Zilch. Recall that the most recent developer spiel put forth U.C. as a potential suitor... which was a coffin nail IMHO. You saw how far THAT got; even the Sierra Club lawyer jumped on it. No... I'm sure my unborn grandchildren will have a spot to learn to drive, down by the bay, and they can sort out the Turkeys from the Geese as they drive by the Gill Tract.
Tony Caine February 16, 2013 at 07:59 pm
I think Albany's willingness to accept various revenue sources is determined by the degree of financial desperation. When the card room was on the ballot twenty years ago, Albany was in the chips because of frugal fiscal management and a healthy racing operation. Property taxes in Albany were much lower then. The more financial pressure the city and taxpayers feel the more flexible they will be. I can't say we are there yet but these options are possible if needed.
Mark Kay February 16, 2013 at 08:13 pm
Apparently the good people of Albany are afraid of gambling.... bunch of wimps
Caryl O'Keefe February 16, 2013 at 08:24 pm
Tony - reasons I've heard for focusing on a food store include: to accomodate Village residents (and others) who would like a full range food store in Albany, also that the EIR specifically mentioned a grocery store, so that the EIR would have to be redone if something else were chosen. Then there's the point that anchor stores tend to be largish retail. UC may think a grocery store is a better PR prospect than some other type of largish retail.
btw, there is no development agreement for UC to change. Council rescinded it last year...at the urging of several who gathered referendum signatures "to let the people vote", and "because it's too big a decision for 5 to make". Then when they had those signatures, several referendum organizers urged that same few 5 on Council to rescind the development agreement, eliminating any vote by the people.
Dover February 16, 2013 at 08:46 pm
"Dover u.r.ugly."
It's time for your nap, little lapdog. ;-)
Tony Caine February 16, 2013 at 09:18 pm
There is the possibility of two or more stores: a food store for the residents' convenience and one or more other kinds of store for tax revenue; sort of a mini shopping center which would also serve the residents' convenience maybe better than a single food store. At any rate, lets not throw up our hands in despair and walk away. We might be able to put together something better than the original plan.
Jim Callum February 17, 2013 at 01:34 pm
I'm happy that The Whole Foods chain is not building at Gill Tract. I'm not happy that they will build on Gilman in Berkeley. The traffic on Gilman is horrible enough as it is. I avoid that district now because of the congestion and I am certain many orhers will when they are backed up three or four blocks from the traffic signal in their cars. Not to mention when a train rolls though Gilman and shuts down traffic both ways! I say the quality of life in Albany dodged a bullet and if the Safeway development doesn't happen we dodge another one. With the collapse of the Caruso development of the waterfront that's three strikes, you're out! In my opinion these large scale devlopments are not wanted by the people in Albany. The good of the citizens of Albany consists in a whole lot more than lower tax bills and better cell phone connections I believe.
David Sanger February 17, 2013 at 02:47 pm
Well Jim you have certainly revealed your true prejudices. You don't like grocery stores because people drive to stores and you don't like cell phones because, well just because. This is the worst kind of NIMBYism.
Having a grocery store at UC Village would mean LESS traffic since people in Albany would drive a shorter distance (it is closer than Trader Joes or Lucky's) and a few people would be able to walk to the store (if they only had a small amount to buy). As for "large" stores vs. small stores, many people cannot afford the high prices of neighborhood boutique operations. Larger stores offer economies of scale and lower prices. There's nothing good IMO in a quality of life where people have to drive to the neighboring town to do their shopping and cannot make basic phone calls even in an emergency.
tr February 17, 2013 at 05:20 pm
i think 1 of the issues raised in the lawsuit disputing the certification of the e.i.r. is that a smaller grocery store, like the size whole foods will have on gillman, was not considered, as required by law.
since whole foods is moving ahead with a smaller store, i think that is evidence that makes the argument in the suit more persuasive. regarding tony's comment, there is already more than 1 store in the plan. the grocery is just the largest. pricing of goods is more complicated than the physical size of a store. buying power, overhead, and profit margin goals affect prices. monterey market, dollar stores and trader joes are cheaper and in smaller stores. neiman marcus (needless markup,) has large stores.
Bob Guletz February 17, 2013 at 11:58 pm
As a 35+ year Albany homeowner, it has saddened me in recent years how much our neighbors and property owners have lost control of our city's destiny when it comes to development approvals. I agree with previous comments by Peter Goodman and Peggy McQuaid that we need to regain the local control we enjoyed before OTF, Sierra Club, and other outsiders as well as NIMBYs began influencing (and intimidating) our local officials (most of whom mean well). We, the 'silent majority', were not adequately organized when the OTF and Whole Foods fiascoes occurred. What is needed is an "Albany First" grass roots organization, standing ready to mobilize and get involved when needed to protect the will of the majority from the bullying of the minority special interests. As others have noted, our schools and property values will suffer from a negative attitude towards well-conceived development.
Peggy McQuaid February 18, 2013 at 02:12 am
There is an opportunity to get involved to support the will of the majority who would like better cell phone reception in Albany at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 19 at 7:30 p.m. http://albanyca.granicus.com/GeneratedAgendaViewer.php?event_id=a31cec6c-c76a-1030-b4c5-84d7a9c8f15d After years of public hearings, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved Design Review and a Conditional Use Permit for a new AT&T roof-mounted wireless facility at 1035 San Pablo Ave. on January 17. An appeal of this decision was filed by Albany resident, Heike Abeck. It is the recommendation of the staff that the City Council approve Resolution No. 2013-6 DENYING the appeal, http://albanyca.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=&event_id=193&meta_id=62319
If you support upholding the decision of the Planning and Zoning Commission which will result in better cell service in Albany, please either attend the meeting or send an email to members of the City Council, cityhall@albanyca.org
Senior A. Titude February 18, 2013 at 02:25 am
Heike posted a call for support on the local Nextdoor page and received many comments in opposition to her position. Last I checked, the thread had been removed, perhaps because she realized it was having an unintended effect. It definitely mobilized me to show in support of the towers, have to thank her for the heads up ;-)
Peter Goodman February 18, 2013 at 02:27 am
As Peggy suggests, I have just sent an email to the city urging them to deny the appeal to locate a new AT&T antenna on San Pablo Ave. Easy to do. Let the city hear from us.
(The staff report on the appeal makes fascinating reading. It is apparent from the weakness of the appeal's arguments that the appeal is either an exercise in obstructionism or a proxy for something else, whether it be alleged damage from radiation or the 'ghettoization' of the city, as one complainant suggested last year. We should not let real city improvements be stymied by those with absurd agendas. I'm glad we have a democratic process of decision followed by appeal, but now is the time to bring this very sad affair to a conclusion.)
Tatter Salad February 18, 2013 at 05:42 am
You've got it almost correct 'tr',
"buying power, overhead, and profit margin goals affect prices. monterey market, dollar stores and trader joes are cheaper and in smaller stores." Chain stores, like Dollar and Trader Joe's are not 'small stores' in the same niche as Monterey Market for instance. As was hopefully learned from the $600k study for 'what works best' for the Race Track, we found that SURVEYS and a collective opinion leads to Zilch. I've read their conclusion. It is true that 'one stop' shopping (with easy parking) makes for success, whether it's a mall of stores, or a massive equivalent (Costco). Some of the more successful areas I've observed includes a 'Bank' in the milieu. That which was successful 25 years ago here included bookstore(s) and a video store(s)... times and habits changed. Costco has only a 20% mark-up; Small stores CANNOT survive on that margin, and therefore walking the concrete at Costco looking something that Costco DOESN'T sell is key.( Medicinal Pot, finger nail painting and guns will probably never be sold by Costco... LOL). Lasty, 'anti-anything U.C.' and 'Anti-growth' (Carbon Neutral, Sierra Club) interest groups have a 'fifth' column, and they are ON our Albany Commissions, as evidenced by lawsuits THEY sponsored against Albany; they were appointed by recently elected council members. Let's do first things first; please write Council and ask them to clean their house: cityhall@albanyca.org
John Stashik February 18, 2013 at 03:05 pm
Sentences are started with capital letters. Too bad you missed that grade. It makes your comments seem difficult to read and their sincerity questionable.
Brian Parsley February 19, 2013 at 12:45 am
David I have to disagree with you. It's not that Jim doesn't like grocery stores; his disdain of corporations and support of higher taxes point to a phenomenon I call Progressive Racism. You see unlike Tea party Republicans, who aren't as sophisticated enough to hide their racism, progressives simply raise property and parcel taxes under guise of "doing our part" until it's unaffordable for middle and lower middle class residents to stay.
Lisa Schneider February 19, 2013 at 02:34 am
Perhaps they've retreated into their vast carelessness, or maybe just an annual grand tour of Europe. Let's not get fooled again.
Dover February 19, 2013 at 04:05 pm
Oh, sweet irony of life.
"I have AT&T, coverage is fine for me in Albany. I also have a land line for emergencies." Heike Abeck Translation: Coverage is fine for ME. I have a land line for ME. I only care about ME. Bow down to ME. It's all about ME. ME ME ME ME ME ME ME. http://albany.patch.com/articles/planning-commission-votes-to-deny-at-t-antenna-plans Maybe we should start knocking on her door when we need to make calls. Avail ourselves of her landline and all. ;-)

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ted friedman June 18, 2013 at 10:08 pm
The name is weirdly spelled, but not this weird. It's Caffe, not Caffee. I've only typed these wordsRead More a thousand times.