Whole Foods Market breaks ground at WS Development's Highland Village

Whole Foods Market broke ground on a new 31,000 s/f store at Highland Village, according to WS Development, the project's new joint venture partner. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the construction start on Whole Foods Market's first store in the state. The new store will open in 2013. Whole Foods Market features a fresh and enticing selection of natural foods in their purest state, free of artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, and preservatives as well as hydrogenated fats. Whole Foods Market offers shoppers the highest quality, best-tasting and freshest foods in an inviting setting. Each store is unique and is designed to meet the needs of the neighborhoods where they live and work. Combine the great-tasting food with outstanding customer service and the result is a pleasantly atypical grocery shopping experience. In addition, Whole Foods Market is dedicated to both serving and becoming a part of its communities, offering locally sourced products wherever possible and education about healthy eating in a fun and inviting atmosphere. Whole Foods Market will join nearly 50 shops and restaurants at Highland Village, including Mason Weiss, Talbots, Whitehead Street Clothiers, and Albriton's Jewelers. The center's dining options include Julep Restaurant & Bar, Char Restaurant & Bar, and Bravo Italian Restaurant & Bar alongside the health and fitness-oriented Pure Barre and Pilates Place of Mississippi. The 220,000 s/f mixed-use Highland Village is one of the largest specialty shopping centers in Jackson. Last month, WS Development announced it had acquired a controlling interest in the center. The transaction is the second such acquisition this year of a prestigious regional shopping center for WS Development. Earlier this year, it acquired Hilldale Shopping Center in Madison, Wisconsin.