Outdated Safeway Scheduled to be Revamped

After several years of planning, the Safeway located in the Petworth neighborhood finally received the approval by zoning commissioners to undergo a major facelift.

According to Safeway's public affairs director Craig Muckle, residents in the Georgia-Petworth neighborhood should be able to shop at a redeveloped CityVista-styled Safeway in 2013. 

This modernized CityVista Safeway will be constructed similarly to the one located on L Street.. It is slated to be a six-story retai and residential complex complete with two underground parking decks. Safeway will own the first level of the complex and one of the underground parking decks, while Duball Petworth will own the remaining five residential floors along with the other underground parking deck.

After hearing about the proposed change, Petworth Safeway shoppers generally expressed support for the project. Since the supermarket was constructed back in the 1960s, many area residents agree that the store is much smaller and contains less variety than many of the other more recently-built grocery stores throughout the District.

"This is a serviceable Safeway, but it's not very good," said Petworth resident Tara Good. 

"They don't get a lot of fresh stuff in on the regular basis. It's really touch-and-go, so providing the community with healthier food options I think is better for everyone."

In spite of the zoning commission's approval of the redevelopment project, Muckle still reminds public that the completion date of the CityVista complex has yet to be determined. 

"We would like to get [the project] going next year in 2012. We are hoping in 2012 we can start, and hopefully [in] 2013 we can open the store," said Muckle.

While many were supportive of reconstructing the outdated grocery store, there were those who focused their attention more towards the residential aspect of the project.

 "I think it's a good thing, but I think they need more income-based apartments," said Arneitia Jones, a frequent Petworth Safeway shopper.

However, Muckle said that the construction of the new complex will assure Petworth residents that positive things are and will continue to arrive in their neighborhood. 

"Anytime you have a grocery store that's sort of an anchor for a community, it is a big deal because it really helps establish the community," he said.

Muckle pointed out that this project has been in the works for at least seven years. He added that after remodeling about 10 of the city's 15 Safeways, the Georgia-Petworth location will be one of the last in the District to undergo the process.

"Aside from this store in Petworth, we are looking to do Tenleytown as well, and that will be after Petworth gets started," Muckle said. "Right now, those will be the last two that are on the dock."