Plans to establish a gourmet grocery store atop a city-owned parking deck near Zoo Atlanta have come to a standstill, as Savi Provisions announced it will not proceed with its intended location at the Grant Park Gateway development.
During a Community Development/Human Resources Committee meeting on Tuesday, Atlanta leaders confirmed the company’s decision, leaving the 7,000-square-foot retail space atop the parking deck vacant since its completion in 2021.
This halt to Savi Provisions’ plans is disappointing news for local residents who have been eagerly awaiting a new source of fresh food options in their area.
Atlanta’s Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Recreation, Rachel Maher, indicated that the city is considering an alternative plan in partnership with Terminus Commercial Real Estate Partners to take over the lease for the vacant space.
The proposed plan would transform the area into a vibrant marketplace featuring three fresh food vendors, a deli-style counter, grab-and-go market options, coffee and tea, a full-service bar, and a seating area with high-top counters.
The committee has supported Terminus’s proposal, which is now set to be presented to the full City Council for final approval.
Originally unveiled in 2017, the $48 million project aimed to revitalize a parking lot near Grant Park and Zoo Atlanta into a green-roofed parking deck.
However, the project faced criticism due to the removal of over 130 healthy trees, which the city committed to replacing, adding to the community’s concerns.
In an effort to finance the project, the City Council authorized more than $30 million in bonds, with expectations to generate revenue from both parking fees and the rooftop retail space.
Savi Provisions was chosen to develop the grocery store following several rounds of requests for proposals, finalized in June.
While plans included nearly $8.2 million in incentives approved by Invest Atlanta for Savi Provisions to establish stores in downtown Atlanta and on Campbellton Road, the Grant Park location was excluded from these offers.
In comments made last month, Savi Provisions CEO Paul Nair expressed difficulties in securing insurance coverage for new locations, particularly in economically challenged areas.
Nair reported that out of 17 insurance companies approached, 15 declined to underwrite policies, resulting in prohibitively high premiums that jeopardized the company’s mission of addressing food deserts.
He highlighted recent legislative changes signed by Governor Brian Kemp aimed at limiting lawsuits and lowering jury awards, arguing that such reforms could lead to more stable insurance premiums for businesses like his.
Despite ongoing discussions regarding insurance challenges, the city received little advance notice of Savi Provisions’ decision to abandon plans for the Grant Park location.
The revised strategy now shifts focus to potential new agreements to bring sustainable food options to the community, demonstrating that while one plan has faltered, opportunities for redevelopment and revitalization may still lie ahead.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/news/business/savi-provisions-abandons-proposed-store-atop-grant-park-parking-garage/TT6HF2SC7FEJXM7SXEO6OOMWFY/
