WHOLE FOODS MARKET: 25+ Years and Counting
This summer saw the opening of two new, MV+A designed Whole Foods Market projects in Washington, DC and in Springfield, VA. The first is a mixed-use, multifamily anchor store at The Parks at Walter Reed—a much anticipated development here in the District. While the second is a new, relocated store—nearly double the original store area—now located in Springfield Plaza.
As we approach our 30th year working with Whole Foods Market, we thought it appropriate to reflect upon the trajectory of this longstanding and unique professional relationship.
An Abbreviated History
In his August Design Brief interview with Brian Szymanski, Allen Mushinsky recalled his efforts to refer other design firms to the grocer, assuming that MV+A was not sufficiently staffed to service their organization. After much discussion, an agreement was reached and, as they say, the rest is history.
MV+A eventually helped Whole Foods to enter the greater Washington market in 1996 with a stunning new store in Arlington, VA—earning instant praise from the neighborhood, the Washington Post, and the American Institute of Architects. Since then, projects have been in locations as far north as New Jersey, as far south as Florida, and as far west as Kentucky.
With no prototype, each store is a unique reflection of its community. MV+A visits each new location to assess context and conceive original exterior designs that seamlessly blend into their vibrant surroundings. In addition to thoughtful building design, services also include store planning and merchandising, interior design, fixture coordination, lighting design, and signage. We provide turn-key services and many of our project solutions have become benchmark standards for future stores as well as renovating existing stores.
While our earliest projects were more conventional, surface-parked stores, we quickly began working on projects with innovative structured parking, projects in more urban settings, and projects anchoring larger, mixed-use building projects. The multifamily area of our practice has been greatly enhanced by our work with Whole Foods as have our master planning activities. In point of fact, no aspect of our practice has escaped the influence of the many valuable lessons-learned through our work with this rigorously discerning and quality-obsessed client.
Quite simply put, this relationship had made us better architects. The combination of Whole Foods’ excellent market operations with MV+A’s signature design and thoughtful planning has proven time and time again to result in retail success at the highest level.
A Timeline
Noteworthy Work Anniversaries
MV+A is pleased to announce the 20-year work anniversary of Senior Associate Kyle Mincey. During his time at MV+A, Kyle has successfully created a niche for himself leading a wide variety of projects for Whole Foods Market—one of MV+A’s most long standing clients. He also recently lead the renovation and expansion of our DC office space. Kyle’s wealth of knowledge and experience make him an invaluable member of the MV+A team.
We’ve asked Kyle to share a few thoughts regarding his auspicious tenure at MV+A below, and commend this and his many other noteworthy accomplishments here at MV+A!
