Clifton Market is expected to open by the end of September. The co-op grocery store has raised $5.6 million and board president Adam Hyland says construction is underway.
"The fact that we have over 1,200 owners at this point is a real testament to how much the Cincinnati area cares about this store and the viability of this community and the business district in general."
Hyland says reopening a supermarket in Clifton will bring foot traffic back and help the entire neighborhood.
Some of the most visible progress is outside. The front was painted beige and orange when it was Keller's IGA. Architect Paul Muller says it now features a new color scheme of red, green and white.
"Ludlow is a really great, vibrant streetscape. It's one of the most diverse neighborhood business districts in the city, and we wanted to do something that knitted itself into that and brought forth the sort of new thinking, the new way of organizing, a grocery store," Muller says.
Inside, the walls are bare. The shelves have yet to be installed, and wood panels cover the floor.
Hyland says the store's exposed rafters will reflect a unique operation.
"We're going to be a very raw store as far as having a lot of organics, and locally sourced kinds of products here too. (We) feel that having a very natural look to the store will also help."
Hyland says the store is keeping some historical touches, like the tin ceiling tiles.
"They're neat. They tell the story of how many iterations of this store have come and passed over the years. But it's been an important part of the community to be a grocery store, going back to it being an A&P."
Hiring starts in August for 81 positions.
