Hy-Vee Takes One Step Closer to Opening Store in Columbia Heights

Company Begins Remediation Process to Prepare Site for Renovation
Hy-Vee began the abatement process today to locate and remove any hazardous material from the former Rainbow Foods and Slumberland Clearance Center spaces at 4300 Central Ave. This brings the company one step closer to opening a grocery store at the location.

Now that work on the site has begun, the Contract for Private Redevelopment requires Hy-Vee to complete the renovation by Feb 28, 2020.

If all goes as planned, the renovation process is expected to take about a year, said Keith Dahl, community development manager.

“We could see a Hy-Vee open here by the end of 2019,” he said.

Hy-Vee Development Timeline and Background
In 2016, Hy-Vee purchased the Central Valu Center, former home of Rainbow Foods at 4300 Central Ave NE. At the time, the City of Columbia Heights approved plans for a portion of the Central Valu Center to be redeveloped into a 90,000 square-foot Hy-Vee grocery store and restaurant. The City also approved plans for Hy-Vee’s Fast and Fresh Convenience Store and Gas Station, to be located at the northeast corner of Central Ave and 47th Ave.

After initial development approval by the City, Hy-Vee announced that it was slowing down its expansion efforts in the Twin Cities. Hy-Vee has again begun constructing stores in the area, including a recently opened Hy-Vee store in Robbinsdale. Last June, Hy-Vee submitted a revised site plan application to build a convenience store and gas station on the northeast corner of Central and 47th Avenues.

12-18-2018