cehmann

Pavel, the big deal on this (as Mike pointed out) is the high visibility of the location. The old Minyards was adequate but local residents were/are aching for something better. This area from Lakewood down to Hollywood/Santa Monica and from the M Streets east to the lake has gentrified to a higher income/disposable income area. The plans Whole Foods presented to the neighborhood groups looked fantastic (IMHO) but didn't adhere to the Planned District restrictions put in place in 1988 that required the building to be built along Abrams with a "storefront" "main street" feel. This upset some that wanted the PD enforced (or at least a nod to it). Many others just wanted the new pretty store. Much debate followed. That's my take on it.