PCC Natural Markets to Anchor Mixed-use Development

PCC Natural Markets will anchor a proposed new mixed-use development in the Madison Valley area of Seattle. The country’s largest member-owned natural foods market will occupy 25,000 square feet in the new building. The project, undertaken by The Velmeir Cos., will include 75 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments above the grocer, as well as an underground parking garage.

“We are delighted to bring PCC Natural Markets as well as housing options for families of all sizes to Madison Valley,” said Geza de Gall, VP of real estate and development at West Bloomfield, Mich.-based Velmeir. “We heard from many in the community who shared that they would like to have a grocery store in the neighborhood.”

Plans for the building include a green roof, rooftop terrace and street-side plantings, in addition to setbacks more generous than those required by code. Velmeir is also constructing a mixed-use apartment building in Seattle’s Queen Anne community.

“There is such a passion for food in Madison Valley that can be seen in the restaurants, cafés and bakeries that thrive along Madison Street, as well as the continued success of Central Co-op” – a fellow natural food cooperative that PCC helped open for business back in 1978 – “on Capitol Hill,” noted Cate Hardy, CEO of Seattle-based PCC, adding that the project would also “[bring] our fresh, organic produce, high-quality meats and seafood, and exceptional customer service to shoppers in Madison Park, Madrona, Leschi and the Central District.”

 “Part of being a co-op is uniting with other like-minded businesses to remain competitive,” said Dan Arnett, cooperator in chief at Central Co-op. “PCC shares our values and, together, we can make a positive impact in shaping the food landscape in this neighborhood.”

Velmeir plans to break ground early next year and open the retail space and apartments in 2018. The building designer is Charles Strazzara, partner at local architecture firm Studio Meng Strazzara.

Founded in 1953, PCC operates 10 stores in the greater Seattle area. A Bothell, Wash., store is slated to open this summer.