Next Gen Publix promised for the Trails

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

“We’re going to give the center the love it deserves.”

JACK VENTIMIGLIA, construction manager

Applause welcomed speakers at the public meeting April 8 at the Anderson-Price Memorial Building, showing that the crowd of about 30 people were happy about getting a new Publix Super Market at the Trails Shopping Center on North Nova Road.

Jack Ventimiglia, construction manager for ShopOne Centers, the mall owner, said the closing date for the Publix will be no later than Dec. 6 and it would then reopen a year later. It’s possible they can get started earlier.

Taking over the former CVS store, the new, larger Publix will also be deeper on the lot. It’s called a Next Generation Publix, but few details were provided, other than a mezzanine on a second floor which will allow people to dine on prepared food they have purchased, with a view of the mall.

Ventimiglia said they are still discussing details for the design.

The cost for demolishing the existing 42-year-old building and constructing a new 48,848-square-foot facility will be $5 million, with ShopOne paying for the front façade and Publix paying for the rest of the store.

This hand-painted mural could be lost in the transition to a new Publix. Store officials have not announced a decision. Photo by Wayne Grant

Ventimiglia said another $5 million will be spent on improving the entire parking lot with new landscaping and LED lights. The lot will be done in phases and drainage will be improved.

“We’re going to give the center the love it deserves,” Ventimiglia said.

He acknowledged that construction periods can be difficult for businesses in affected areas.

Asked about employees during the shutdown, David Curry, regional director, said Publix has never laid off employees in its 89-year history. Employees will be reassigned to other stores and given the opportunity to come back when it reopens.

The stores adjacent to Publix will also get a new facelift, but will not close during the construction.

A person from the audience complained about the entrance and exit from North Nova Road, but Ventimiglia said no changes are planned and this would be FDOT’s area.

Sheila Beaulieu, manager of the Trails Shopping Center, said she’s excited about getting a modern new Publix, saying it will help recruit businesses to the center.

“This mall is such a part of the community,” she said.

ShopOne owns more than 50 retail centers.

Lost art?

The mural on the front of the Publix, which reflects the Mediterranean theme of the shopping plaza, could soon be history. The tiles are adhered with adhesive directly to the concrete, so they can’t be removed.

The tiles were painted by Pati Mills, a Winter Haven artist who painted 200 Publix murals over a 25-year period, beginning in 1978. Each mural reflected the surrounding area.

One mural in Bradenton survived a Publix renovation because the wall was preserved and made into an interior wall. Other than that, the Publix murals have been destroyed, Mills said in an interview with the Palm Coast Observer.

Brendan Terry, spokesman for ShopOne, said company officials have discussed options to reuse the mural, but there has been no decision.

Judith Stein, president of the Ormond Beach Arts District, said she is sorry to see the mural go because it’s been a part of the town for many years. The Arts District and the recently approved mural program for businesses only cover the downtown Community Redevelopment Area, which is Granada Boulevard and a few blocks north and south.