06/12/2022
Market Research and Update:
When we first decided to take this on and bring The Cove Market to life in our neighborhood some dear friends of ours, the Godwins, told us we had to come check out Parker’s Fancy Market in Savannah, GA.
Of all the markets, cafés, grocery stores, delis, c-stores we’ve been to for ”Market Research” this place personifies what we want for our neighborhood. It is nice but not over the top, clean and accessible. You can grab and go freshly made meals or have them prepare something quickly for you. They utilize technology to streamline ordering and checkout. From baked goods to fountain drinks, ice cream, salads, sandwiches, fried okra and chicken, great beer and wine selection, grocery items and produce this store affords you the option to never leave the neighborhood unless you want to.
We will have more fresh produce and indoor/outdoor seating and gathering space but Parker’s fancy market nailed it!
To give you an update on construction we are getting very close to a complete and accurate budget and estimates on the project. Bidding and estimating require proper engineering and planning and these steps take time. This building is not a “box” that has been replicated many times. It is a one-off that will fit into a combination of two parcels where two different structures once were. Throw in old gas tanks, the DEP, collapsed City owned stormwater pipe, road project, inflation and rising interest rates and you may just throw your hands in the air. But we press forward. We want this for our neighborhood.
As you can imagine our best estimates currently have us over our $$ target. We should have firm #’s within a week and we will need to discuss our options moving forward. We have included several amenities like a rooftop seating area with planters for our own garden and elevator that will be unique and really special but add significantly to the cost. We could slap a metal building down and start selling stuff but that doesn’t give the neighborhood what it deserves.
We should be able to make our final decisions on the building and amenities over the next couple weeks. Permitting will be next. This can take a few months. Best case scenario we could break ground late summer! In the meantime you should see construction commence on Cherry St from the water to Cherry St School. We hope to coincide our opening with the completion of this project and are excited about this infrastructure beautification.
Stay tuned for more updates and “Market Research” and thank you for your support and patience.