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| The Downtown Cleveland Heinen’s grocery store will reopen later this summer after repairs, rearranging of the main display area and renovations, contrary to doom-n-gloom rumors (KJP). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE |
According to a source close to the situation but was not authorized to speak publicly about the matter, Heinen’s downtown Cleveland grocery store will reopen in four to eight weeks.
Rumors have swirled since the nationwide riots and looting on May 30 forced the closure of the full-service downtown grocer. The store suffered modest damage and theft of merchandise from the first floor only. Some downtown residents feared the store would not reopen.
Downtown Heinen’s employees are being furloughed or relocated for the time being, the source said. During that time, workers will repair, reconfigure and renovate the 27,000-square-foot store.
The former Cleveland Trust bank rotunda built in 1908 will be reconfigured to be more COVID-19-compliant, according to the source. That includes getting rid of the soup/salad bar so customers and employees will have more room for social distancing.
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| Heinen’s downtown store features a soaring rotunda topped by murals, ornaments and a skylight (KJP). |
The service and floor layout changes could also avail room for other merchandise and programming. The soup/salad bar has been closed during the months-long pandemic.
Officially, details about the duration of the closure aren’t available. But Heinen’s released a?written statement?earlier today.
“We appreciate all the kind comments and support we’ve received concerning our downtown Cleveland store. We are still in the process of cleaning up and getting repair estimates and are not sure of a re-open date at this time,” the statement said.
“Looking ahead to a post COVID-19 world, we are considering some small changes to adjust the store to better meet the needs of our customers,” Heinen’s added.
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| The downtown Heinen’s is not a large store in terms of its merchandise floor area, but it does keep a steady floor of customers with a very busy lunchtime crowd buying prepared foods (KJP). |
“Thank you for your patience. We know the stores is an?important shopping option for many people and will share more information once we know more,” the statement concluded.
Located on the southeast corner of Euclid Avenue and East 9th Street, the downtown Heinen’s opened in February 2015. It was part of the multi-structure, $170 million Ameritrust redevelopment undertaken by the Geis Companies.
The downtown Heinen’s is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful grocery stores in the United States, becoming a tourist attraction and a must-see stop?according to “Hamilton” actor Nik Walker, for those appreciating architecture and Gilded Age history.
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