A new grocery store downtown, presumably an AJ's

UPDATE: PHXated was 100 percent wrong about the grocery store downtown; it’s not an AJ’s, but rather an outpost of a Northern California operation called Oakville Grocery.

Release below:

For Immediate Release:
February 22, 2010

CITYSCAPE GROCERY STORE BACK ON TRACK

Oakville Grocery Co. to become city’s signature downtown grocery

PHOENIX – The long awaited grocery store for downtown Phoenix is back on track. CityScape project developer, RED Development, announced today that the operator of the Oakville Grocery in Scottsdale has signed a lease and will move into space at the corner of Jefferson and Central Avenue in September of 2010. Oakville replaces AJ’s Fine Foods, whose plans to be at the project were derailed by bankruptcy court proceeding involving Bashas’ Supermarkets Inc.

“Having a grocery store component in CityScape has always been a top priority,” said Mike Ebert, managing partner for RED Development. “Oakville is a first-rate grocery store that provides the city with an exciting new resource that fills a fundamental need for people who live and work downtown. Oakville is a strong addition to our project and we are very happy to have them. It’s time for a downtown grocery and we think people are going to be just as excited as we are when they see what Oakville is all about.”

Oakville, which originated in California’s Napa Valley, will occupy space CityScape on the western-most block of the project as a part of the 750,000 square feet being developed in Phase I. The store will open this September.

“We are pretty selective about where we go” said Janell Freeman of Oakville. “CityScape is bringing new life to downtown Phoenix and we are thrilled to be a part of it. The project has world-class design and amenities and it is located at the center of downtown in the nation’s fifth-largest city. It’s the kind of place we want to be and we will do our part to make CityScape a destination for downtown and the center of the neighborhood for people who live and work in downtown Phoenix.”

Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon complimented CityScape’s team for its “patient tenacity” in securing an urban grocery.

“It’s no secret that a 24/7 lifestyle in downtown Phoenix requires basic amenities like a grocery store,” said Mayor Gordon. “This is a tremendous accomplishment and what makes it even more exciting is the high quality product that Oakville will bring to the city. Everyone who lives, works, or visits downtown will benefit.”

CityScape is a 1.8 million square foot mixed use urban project located at the very center of Downtown Phoenix, between Washington and Jefferson from 2nd Street to 1st Avenue. In its first phase, opening on two blocks this Spring. CityScape will include more than 620,000 square feet of Class A office, approximately 180,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and nearly 2,700 below-grade parking spaces.

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About RED Development, LLC

RED Development, formed in 1995, develops, leases, manages and owns real estate developments in rapidly growing communities throughout the Midwestand Southwest. RED has 30 centers open, in development, or under construction, totaling nearly 19 million square feet. Within the industry, RED has earned a reputation for delivering as promised and creating strong relationships with its tenants, communities and business partners. RED has nearly 200 employees and is co-headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Kansas City, Mo.To learn more, visit www.reddevelpment.com.

About Oakville
For over 120 years the original Oakville Grocery has been the “little country store” in the heart of Napa Valley, attracting visitors from near and far with its special charm. The Phoenix store will feature wonderful, handmade local products from our neighbors in Arizona as well as in Napa and Sonoma. Along with delicious made-to-order sandwiches, gourmet cheeses and charcuterie, we offer a wide array of prepared foods for your party or picnic needs. You will also find our shelves lined with specialty items which include local olive oils and vinegars, unique mustards, marinades and handmade preserves. To learn more, visit us at: http://www.oakvillegroceryarizona.com

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Mayor Gordon is going to be at a noon press conference today to announce a grocery store in the big CityScape development at Central and Washington. I assume its a*n AJ’s:

MEDIA ADVISORY

[…]

WHAT: News conference to announce opening of new grocery store at CityScape

Representatives from CityScape and RED Development will join Mayor Phil Gordon to announce a new and much anticipated tenant that will become the city’s signature downtown grocery. It will move into the space at the southeast corner of Patriot’s Square block.

WHO: Mayor Phil Gordon
Mike Ebert, Managing Partner, RED Development

WHEN: 12 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22

WHERE: CityScape – Office Tower, third floor, Central Avenue and Washington Street

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About RED Development, LLC

RED Development, formed in 1995, develops leases, manages and owns real estate developments in rapidly growing communities throughout the Midwest and Southwest. RED has 30 centers open, in development, or under construction, totaling nearly 19 million square feet. Within the industry, RED has earned a reputation for delivering as promised and creating strong relationships with its tenants, communities and business partners. RED has nearly 200 employees and is co-headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Kansas City, Mo. To learn more, visit www.reddevelpment.com. [sic: it’s actually www.reddevelopment.com]