<p>Whole Foods Market is expanding its footprint on the East coast. In partnership with the WC Smith real estate firm, Whole Foods has signed a lease for a new 36,000 square foot store location in Southeast Washington, D.C., located near Navy Yard and Nationals Park at 800 New Jersey Avenue SE. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>The grocer will anchor the retail portion of its $443 million development in the District’s Capitol Riverfront neighborhood. The target opening date is early 2017. There are currently four Whole Foods Markets in Washington D.C.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>“Washingtonians asked and we listened,” said Scott Allshouse, Whole Foods Market Mid-Atlantic regional president. “People who live and work in Southeast have been requesting a Whole Foods Market for some time. We are thrilled about finding the right fit given the combination of factors that go into deciding on a new location.”</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>“We are delighted to welcome Whole Foods Market to the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood,” said Chris Smith, chairman and CEO of WC Smith. “Their dedication to healthy living and commitment to community dovetails with our mission of creating green, sustainable communities for residents of the District of Columbia.”</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Whole Foods Market has been a part of the District for nearly twenty years. The new store has potential of providing work to hundreds of local job-seekers. In addition, D.C. stores devote time and resources to a variety of local organizations, such as area schools, nonprofits and community groups. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>“First and foremost, this is about being able to provide fresh, wholesome food to as many people as possible,” Allshouse said. “But we aim to be more than a grocery – our stores have a strong connection with the community and neighbors around them. Whether through volunteer hours or fundraising efforts, we look forward to continuing those partnerships with our newest store in the District.”</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://media.wholefoodsmarket.com " target="_new"> Whole Foods </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
