Fenway, Roxbury projects signaling retail resurgence
By Jenn Abelson
Globe Staff / May 25, 2010
High-profile merchant Target Corp. and natural-foods grocer Whole Foods Market Inc. are eyeing major expansions in the Fenway, while Kohl?s Corp. is considering a smaller version of its discount department store in Roxbury ? all signs of a renewed optimism in the Hub retail market.
...
?We see the economy is getting a little better this year and people are thinking about expansions, new locations, and new concepts,?? Menino said. ?Whole Foods, Target, and CB2 ? they?re really excited about the Fenway area. They see the demographic and the great potential with the medical centers and college students.??
...
Although no deals have been finalized, Target, Whole Foods, and CB2 have been in serious negotiations for months to move into a planned complex at the Goodyear site located at 1345 Boylston St. and an adjacent property at 1325 Boylston St., according to city officials, including Susan Elsbree, a spokeswoman for the Boston Redevelopment Authority.
Target is considering a three-story urban format with upwards of 130,000 square feet, which would make the store one of just about 40 Target shops nationwide that are spread over multiple floors or have a unique floor plan, the officials said. The project will soon start the permitting process, and developers are hoping to complete the site over the next three years.
...
