New Jewel-Osco Will Bring Healthy Food Options To Woodlawn

CHICAGO, IL - A new Jewel-Osco grocery store is coming to the Woodlawn neighborhood on the South Side. Officials broke ground on a 48,000 square-foot store at the northwest corner of 61st street and Cottage Grove Avenue on Wednesday, according to a news release from Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel's office. The new store, slated to open in early 2019, will "bring high-quality fresh food options" to Woodlawn and nearby neighborhoods, many of which are considered to be in food deserts that lack healthy grocery options.

"This is a proud moment for Jewel-Osco,” said Doug Cygan, president of Jewel-Osco. “This new location underscores our commitment to providing good jobs, fresh produce and other essentials in order to help enhance a community.”

Emanuel touted the recent business investment that's been seen in Woodlawn, the neighborhood just south of Hyde Park. Residents of the area have seen recent developments of apartment buildings, a University of Chicago residence hall and a recreational and educational center.

“This new grocery store will bring fresh food options to a community that is witnessing an unprecedented level of investment, growth and progress,” the mayor said in a statement.

The full-service supermarket will offer fresh produce, a deli counter, ready-to-eat meals and a variety of service for customers, according to both Emanuel and store officials.

Along with a new option for healthy food, the new Jewel-Osco will mean about 200 more jobs in the community. Terraco and DL3 will oversee the construction and lease the property to Jewel-Osco.

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Photos courtesy of Jewel-Osco