The redevelopment of the former Marsh store on Nichol Avenue in Anderson has cleared its final legal hurdle, paving the way for the opening of a Needler’s Fresh Market and Ace Hardware. KennMar Development, the company behind the project, officially closed on the property and assumed ownership, according to Greg Winkler, executive director of the Anderson Economic Development Department.
The Anderson Redevelopment Commission (ARC) received a $500,000 payment from KennMar for the purchase of the site, which has been vacant since the Marsh store closed in 2017. KennMar, which is investing $1.5 million into the project, has already spent $423,541 on interior demolition work, and the ARC has reimbursed the developer approximately $600,000 for that work.
In total, the ARC is providing $7.2 million for essential upgrades, including a new heating and air conditioning system, flooring, electronics, and plumbing. These funds will be released in phases and recaptured through tax revenues based on the increased assessed value of the property.
The new retail space, featuring a 24,500-square-foot Needler’s Fresh Market and a 15,000-square-foot Ace Hardware, is expected to become a cornerstone for further development on Anderson’s west side. The grocery store will also include a drugstore.
“This is a huge win for Anderson and the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Greg Winkler. “It will anchor future investments and redevelopment, revitalizing the area.”
Under the project development agreement, KennMar has committed to operating the grocery and hardware stores for a minimum of 10 years. Construction is targeted to begin soon, with the stores were originally set to open by July 1, 2024, or earlier.
While this development may not fully resolve Lapel’s food desert issue, it brings the community one step closer to improving access to essential food supplies.
