There’s a buzz going around Elmwood that the Lexington Co-op has reached capacity and is beginning to look at options that could result in an expansion. Although The Co-op has been tight-lipped regarding possible options, there are some who feel that the market expansion could go in a few different directions. We have heard that a new build at the Benchmark parking lot (photo) across from Blockbuster might be a possible consideration, amongst other locations. If that was the case, then the current building could be vacated. Another scenario would place The Co-op in the both buildings, with the market occupying only half of the Benchmark location – the other half would be leased to another entity. These are all scenarios we attribute to “word on the street.”
Whatever ends up happening, it’s going to move forward with input by Co-op ownership. According to the information sent to members, The Co-op is currently the 17th busiest store (based on sales per square foot) in the country (based on sales per square foot) and is “busting at the seams.” Members have asked for more deli and grocery space, additional parking and a place to sit down to eat lunch. It is anticipated that the market will need twice as much retail space by the year 2015. The board is looking to engage the 7,500 owners in coming weeks in order to obtain additional input. From The Co-op:
Help Us Create a Vision for an Expanded Lexington Co-op! Come to our Summer Owner Meeting next Wednesday, August 24 6:30-8:30pm at the Unitarian Church. Hear about our commitment to expanding the co-op and share your vision for the Co-op of the future. We’re very early in the planning stages, and we want to involve as many owners as possible in this discussion of what is next for the Co-op. Read more in our newsletter. We’d love to have you there! Can’t make it? Email your thoughts to expansion@lexington.coop.