Lines gathered before sunrise Thursday, Nov. 13, for the grand re-opening of the Publix store at Anastasia Plaza.
Almost the same time last year, the existing 40-year-old Publix at 1033 A1A Beach Blvd. was torn down and rebuilt into a nearly 55,000-square-foot space. Several surrounding businesses ― First Vacation Rentals, Rainbow Shades & Apparel and Kato ― were also reconstructed as part of the plaza’s complete overhaul.
The parking lot was reconfigured to add 13 more spaces while improving traffic flow.
The new store is expected to serve as the key shopping destination for St. Augustine Beach residents and guests.
Chris Ruen, the senior project manager for Regency Centers, which completed the construction, told the St. Augustine Record via email that the timeline was planned as a one-year holiday-to-holiday closing and opening.
“The schedule included a move out of all inventory and equipment, followed by demolition of the former Publix and select in-line retail, and ability to start foundations of the new store, prior to February 2025,” he said. “The site and building construction of the new store, was substantially complete by mid-October, which allowed for the time to fixture and stock the new store.”
Ruen described the project as challenging and said that getting it “done is a big win for all.”
“We could not have made this schedule without hard work from all parties, the existing Tenants at the center were amazing, City of St. Augustine Beach, Elev 8 Demolition, Burnham Site Construction, HGR Construction and Publix did everything necessary to make it work,” he wrote.
“It is great to see the former 40-year-old store replaced with a larger, state of the art building, which the community of Anastasia will benefit and enjoy,” Ruen said.
Beach Mayor Dylan Rumrell described the reopening as an exciting milestone in the redevelopment of the beach community.
“This new larger store is a direct response to the growing needs of our residents and visitors,” he said. “This space meets the demands of our vibrant community. It’s more than a grocery store, it’s a reflection of our commitment to providing convenience, quality, and an enhanced shopping experience for all who call St. Augustine Beach home, and for all of those who visit our great little city.”
Publix Super Markets, based in Lakeland, Florida, operates more than 1,300 locations across the Southeast.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: Publix reopens newly rebuilt, 55,000-square-foot store in Anastasia Plaza
Reporting by Lucia Viti, St. Augustine Record / St. Augustine Record
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