Check out Whole Foods Market’s new skyscraper store

Whole Foods Market has unveiled its new Chicago location.

The Amazon-owned grocer has opened a 65,956-sq.-ft.  store in the city’s new One Chicago high-rise building which is located on the border between the River North and high-end Gold Coast neighborhoods. (The store will serve as a relocation of the existing Chicago store located at 30 W. Huron Street).

The design of the new store was inspired by the historic homes, storefronts and gourmet restaurants of the surrounding neighborhoods.  The elements include elegant arches, recycled handmade tiles and glazed brick. The space was created by Whole Foods with design firm BRR Architecture and Novak Construction, a Chicago-based general contractor.

In order to make it more convenient for shoppers to bring their groceries to their onsite residences or cars parked in a connected garage, the store boasts wide escalators that can accommodate carts. Parking validation is available at the customer service desk.

The product assortment emphasizes local products from Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana.  In keeping with Whole Foods’ signature lineup, the new store also features an array of specialty departments, prepared foods and full-service meat and seafood counters. The comprehensive assortment of beauty and wellness products, including an expanded skincare section and bulk soap selection.

Other features include a full-service coffee bar, and taproom serving beer, wine, spirits and bar bites

Whole Foods operates 10 additional stores in Chicago. It recently announced plans to shutter two of the locations, including one at the DePaul University Welcome Center in Lincoln Park and the other in the Englewood neighborhood.