National grocery store announced for Richland Mall redevelopment. What we know
The first retail tenant has been announced for a hotly anticipated redevelopment in Forest Acres.
A 120,000-square-foot, multi-faceted Kroger Marketplace grocery store is set to anchor the coming redevelopment of the former Richland Mall site, according to a Thursday release from the city of Forest Acres and development company Southeastern. The new grocery store will replace an older Kroger at 3403 Forest Drive, across the street. That store will remain open while the new Kroger is under construction.
“Kroger has deep roots in Forest Acres, so it’s exciting to hear they’re committed to making such a significant investment in our community,” Forest Acres Mayor Thomas Andrews said in a statement. “Not only are they staying, but they’re also expanding with us through this public-private partnership, helping to bring our vision for this new space at the gateway to our city to life.
“With Southeastern’s proven track record of high-quality developments, which include Kroger stores, we’re excited that this partnership will deliver a state-of-the-art Kroger to anchor this landmark project.”
The new Kroger will have a drive-thru pharmacy, a fuel center and an in-store Starbucks, officials said.
Southeastern, an Augusta development company, will overhaul the former mall property over the next several years with a more than $100 million plan set to include the Kroger, more than 500 apartments, restaurants, other retail and more. Officials also have been courting a potential brewery for the project.
Meanwhile, the city of Forest Acres is planning a public park on the western portion of the property. City officials say they are hoping to break ground on the public park by the end of the year.
“The announcement of Kroger becoming the anchor tenant is a pivotal moment for the redevelopment of the former Richland Mall,” Southeastern vice president Jason Long said in a statement. “The presence of a top national grocery store creates a truly special mixed-use project that will include high-end multifamily residential units, retail, dining, grocery, and a city park.”
The city said multi-family apartments will be the first vertical construction on the revamped site, with the Kroger and other retail coming next. A release said the goal is for some businesses to be open by 2027.
This story was originally published May 15, 2025 at 10:16 AM.
