Estero’s Woodfield seeks changes for organic grocer

The developer of the mixed-use Woodfield project in Estero wants to amend its agreement with the village to allow for a national organic grocer. 

Ross Abramson, partner and vice president of development at Woodfield Development, asked for the changes during a public information meeting in September with the Planning, Zoning and Design Board. The proposal will return for a public hearing before any changes are approved. 

The village approved the project in July 2023, and construction began last year. Woodfield is located on 45.6 acres at the northwest corner of U.S. 41 and Coconut Road, across from Coconut Point mall. The mixed-use development includes nearly 600 residences, offices, retail, restaurants and parks. 

Phases one and two are underway, and construction of a roundabout on Coconut Road has begun. The first apartments are expected to be ready next summer, Abramson said. 

The proposed changes to the final phases are in the northeast corner of the site. Woodfield wants to eliminate townhouses and multifamily residences near U.S. 41 and use the space for a parking lot. 

Woodfield also wants to eliminate a parking garage to make room for the grocery store and change plans for a two-story, 40,000-square-foot building with 20,000 square feet of retail on the first floor and 20,000 square feet of offices on the second floor. Instead, it would build a single-story, 20,000-square-foot building with only office space. 

Abramson said Woodfield has a signed agreement with the grocery store but could not reveal its name. 

The changes won’t affect the approved density of the project, Abramson said. 

Planning board members weren’t against the grocery store, but they questioned how it would fit into the project. 

“I think the real challenge will be to make it feel integrated into the project,” said board member Kristin Jeannin. 

Now, it looks like a grocery store and a parking lot, she said. 

She suggested shaded walkways to break up the look if possible. 

Board member Al Paivandy said he would have to sleep on the idea for a few nights. 

“Before, you had a project that was quite well put together, with offices and professionals working and not the in and out as much,” he said about the traffic the grocery store will attract. “This one you just added an element in the corner that I’m not sure how it goes with the communities and offices and shops and great restaurants.” 

Woodfield just submitted the amendment application, and no date has been set for a hearing, said Mary Gibbs, the village’s director of community development.