In an interview with OKCTalk, Homeland President and CEO Marc Jones said the company intends to spend $2 million updating and renovating the 22,000 square foot store which was constructed in 1973 and is currently the only full-service grocery store near the downtown area.
Plans call for a new north facade and signage and a significant renovation to the interior, where every area of the store will be touched.
A new entry vestibule will be constructed on the east end leading to a brand new and open fresh foods area, focusing on healthy ready-made items and a greatly expanded produce section with a good mix of organic items.
Along the east wall will be a new bakery and deli, which will feature artisan breads, made on site sushi, made to order pizza and other fresh items. Heat-and-eat and ready-to-eat meals will center on fresh and healthy items such as salmon over rice and chicken breast with couscous.
At the back of the store, a service meat counter will be added with upgraded offerings of meat, poultry and fish.
A brand new restroom will be constructed for customers and employee areas will be renovated as well.
In addition to the new north facade, the highly visible west exposure along Classen will receive glass block windows and re-texturing. The small pharmacy will remain in the northwest corner of the store.
Homeland had received a great deal of feedback from nearby residents and will try to incorporate as many suggestions as possible but is somewhat constrained due to the the size of the store.
Jones said Homeland's goal is to best serve the surrounding neighborhoods and invites feedback via the Contact Us section of their website, homelandstores.com. In-person meetings with neighbors to help finalize plans may also be held.
Work is expected to start in late spring or early summer and conclude before the end of the year and will
remain open during construction with some areas sectioned off as needed.
CEO Jones also said that after years of expansion, Homeland now wants to focus on its roots, planning to remodel 4-5 Oklahoma stores in 2017 including at least 2 more in the Oklahoma City area. Jones joined the company last April, coming from Greensboro, NC based Fresh Market.
Homeland operates 31 stores in Oklahoma, 10 of which are in the OKC metro area and is headquartered in Oklahoma City.
