Publix done with demolition, poised to begin new construction

Grocery groupies impatiently awaiting Publix’s arrival to Gastonia can at least take solace that another construction benchmark has been reached.

City planners have approved a building permit for a $3.45 million renovation of the commercial space in Hoffman Village that will eventually host a new Publix supermarket. The former Lowes Foods at 1949 Hoffman Road will receive a completely new concrete slab, as well as an overhaul to the electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems.

Benning Construction Co. of Atlanta will begin that across-the-board interior remodel soon, after having spent the last month and a half tearing apart the inside of the space.

“We kept the walls,” said Benning project manager Anthony Zito. “We totally gutted the interior, the slab and everything on the inside. It’s just four walls and the roof with dirt on the floor right now.”

Publix spokeswoman Kimberly Reynolds said the new Gastonia store is slated to open in 2016, though a more specific date hasn’t been announced.

There’s better news for residents of south Gaston County, however. A new Publix just across the state line in Lake Wylie, S.C. — which has been going through a similar renovation — is expected to open in November, Reynolds said.

Since Publix began acquiring a number of Bi-Los and other grocery stores across the metro region a few years ago, the company’s standard operating procedure has been to gut everything and start from scratch, Zito said. Benning Construction also overhauled the Publix in the Steele Creek area of Charlotte.

Such a major renovation is necessary when the new occupant wants bathrooms and grocery departments in specific areas, fitting its own preferred design and layout.

Zito said his construction team is now wrapping up negotiations and finalizing contracts with Publix on a schedule for completing the work.

“We just finished the demolition phase of it,” he said. “We should know more in the next two weeks on how long the renovation will take.”

Publix, based in Lakeland, Fla., purchased the entire Hoffman Village Shopping Center for more than $17 million. It includes the old Lowes property, along with businesses like Hickory Tavern and Lotus Bar and Eatery.

 You can reach Michael Barrett at 704-869-1826 or on Twitter @GazetteMike.