News Summary
Jewel-Osco has commenced construction on a new grocery store in St. John, Indiana, utilizing a vacant Kmart site. The development, which is expected to cost between $31 million and $33 million, aims to revitalize the area and create over 150 jobs. The store will offer a wide range of shopping options, including fresh produce, a pharmacy, and a Starbucks. Local officials view this project as a significant step in enhancing the community and providing more retail choices.
Jewel-Osco Breaks Ground for New Store in St. John, Indiana
The town of St. John, Indiana, marked a significant milestone on September 4 with the groundbreaking of a new Jewel-Osco grocery store. The event, which signals a major development for the community, was attended by representatives from Jewel-Osco, local government officials, community stakeholders, and project partners. This new store aims to replace an empty site that has stood vacant since 2012, transforming a former Kmart location into a bustling retail hub.
Details of the New Store Construction
The impending Jewel-Osco store will be situated at 9548 Wicker Ave, occupying approximately 70,000 square feet. The store is designed to provide a comprehensive shopping experience, featuring fresh produce, prepared meals, a pharmacy, household staples, and additional amenities. Customers can also expect to find a café with indoor seating, a full-service pharmacy with a drive-thru, and a Starbucks outlet inside the store.
The project has an estimated investment cost between $31 million and $33 million. Indianapolis-based DeMao Retail is the primary developer overseeing the construction process, with Indianapolis-based Peterson Co. serving as the general contractor for the project. The new Jewel-Osco is anticipated to open its doors in 2026, bringing a new retail option to the community.
Community and Economic Impact
The development is viewed as a collaborative effort between Jewel-Osco, local officials, and the development team. The town’s leadership has expressed strong support for the project, seeing it as a pivotal step in revitalizing the area. The previous Kmart building, which had been an eyesore for over a decade, will now be redeveloped into a modern retail space that aligns with the community’s growth trajectory.
St. John has experienced notable growth in recent years, with new residential neighborhoods and businesses emerging throughout the area. The new Jewel-Osco is expected to bolster local economic development by creating over 150 jobs, providing employment opportunities for residents and stimulating further commercial activity in the community.
Local Government and Community Reactions
The town’s leadership expressed optimism about the project’s future impact. The St. John Town Council President described the development as a “monumental” step forward and a “new chapter” for the town. Meanwhile, the Town Manager highlighted the town government’s efforts to attract such a development, emphasizing collaborative strategies that contributed to the project’s progress.
Market Context and Competition
The new Jewel-Osco will be the first store of its kind in Northwest Indiana in over twenty years, marking an important expansion for the retailer, which currently operates 189 stores nationwide, with the upcoming opening being its 190th. The store’s presence will add to the local grocery landscape, which currently includes stores like Strack & Van Til, ALDI, and Target. The expansion aims to meet the growing demand for quality grocery options in the region.
Background and Future Outlook
The site’s transformation from a vacant Kmart—closed since 2012—into a new Jewel-Osco store signifies a major revitalization effort for the area. The project demonstrates the community’s commitment to economic development and infrastructure improvement. With an anticipated opening date in 2026, the development is poised to bring long-term benefits to residents and local businesses alike.
The planned Jewel-Osco store not only aims to enhance shopping options but also to serve as a catalyst for continued growth and community engagement in St. John, Indiana.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks Start of New Jewel-Osco Store
Additional Resources
- NW Indiana Business: Jewel-Osco Breaks Ground
- NWI Times: Local News on Jewel-Osco
- NWI Times: Former Kmart to Become Jewel-Osco
- Google Search: Jewel-Osco News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jewel-Osco
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
