KAILUA-KONA — The earth moved Monday as dignitaries and business representatives scooped the first dirt during a groundbreaking ceremony for Niumalu Marketplace, a new commercial development in the heart of Kailua-Kona.
Safeway will relocate a few blocks makai and anchor the 14-building, 180,000-square-foot marketplace, which represents a roughly $95 million investment in West Hawaii. Niumalu Marketplace will be situated on 20 acres off Henry Street, adjacent to Lanihau Shopping Center.
“We really envision this to be the new community center,” said Thomas Reiter of Sentinel Development. “So you won’t just come get your groceries and leave, but there’ll be some restaurants and some other interesting shops.”
As to how many storefronts developers will create, and what rent will be, those numbers are still difficult to project. Jason Schwartz of Blue Vista Capital ballparked the number of businesses likely to occupy the center at about 20.
National tenants not yet arrived to Kailua-Kona are likely to assume the larger spaces, he said, while smaller spaces will probably attract a combination of national groups and local groups.
Safeway will occupy a 63,000-square-foot building that George Glukfeld, Hawaii district manager, said will feature an expanded produce section and butcher block.
“Safeway will open up in the first quarter of 2020,” Schwartz said. “By mid-2020, the whole center will be up and running.”
The grocery chain’s new makai location will also include an 18-pump gas station.
Developers continue to look for other prospective clients.
Reiter said site plans also include an outdoor community center.
Email Max Dible at mdible@westhawaiitoday.com.