New Leaf Community Markets and Barry Swenson Builder announced New Leaf has signed a lease for a new store in the revamped Aptos Village Project, a Barry Swenson Builder development approved by Santa Cruz County in 2012. The store, expected to open by August 2017, will be New Leaf’s eighth location, including six in Santa Cruz County.
“Aptos Village is an ideal location for a New Leaf Community Market. This is a tight-knit community with a focus on healthy living. New Leaf’s emphasis on natural, organic food and lasting relationships make it a great match,” said New Leaf Community Markets’ General Manager Kimberly Hallinan. “We have talked to many Aptos residents and we know they really care about the quality of their food and where it comes from. We are excited to welcome them to the store.”
Planned features of the 17,500 square-foot Aptos store include an expansive, freshly prepared foods department with new, made-to-order options such as a wok and ramen bar, inviting outdoor patio seating, plus all of New Leaf’s most popular offerings including freshly-made juices and smoothies, local and organic produce, natural meats, sustainable seafood, and local handcrafted products.
This store will be housed in the relocated, historic Hihn Apple Barn and serve as the anchor for the Aptos Village Project. The land is now being prepared for the relocation of the barn that will be moved in sections 300 feet toward the center of the 8.5-acre property. The structure will be renovated to maintain its historic aspects, many of which will be visible within the new store.
The project is in process for LEED ND certification awarded to projects that successfully protect and enhance the overall health, natural environment and quality of life in a community which contains approximately 65,000 square feet of leasable commercial space and 69 homes, mostly townhouses and condominiums.
“We feel so honored that New Leaf will be at the heart of the new Aptos community in this historic setting,” said Wendy Collie, CEO, New Seasons Market and New Leaf Community Markets. “As a neighborhood grocer, our focus on great tasting, nutritious food and a variety of local, healthy products naturally bring people together. We are more than a grocery store—we’re building relationships to support the local food economy and build a sustainable food system. Our values are deeply aligned with the community here and we look forward to being a part of this neighborhood for many, many years.”
“We are quite pleased to partner with New Leaf Community Markets and hold shared values in creating healthy communities, said Mary Gourlay, Development Project Manager at Barry Swenson Builder. “ The store will be a wonderful focal point for the Aptos Village Project and a great addition to the Aptos community.”
The new location for New Leaf Community Markets will create over 100 job openings, creating new opportunity for staff at other locations as well as new employees. Connect at www.newleaf.com.
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For over 35 years, Barry Swenson Builder has been a dynamic partner in building the Bay Area. Learn more at www.barryswensonbuilder.com.