(Washington, DC) Mayor Adrian M. Fenty today joined Giant Food and the William C. Smith Cos. in opening the first new, full-service grocery store built East of the River during the last 10 years. The 63,000 square foot “Super Giant” is Giant’s largest store in the District and the first grocery store built in Ward 8 in decades.

“Residents across the District rightfully demand and deserve high-quality, convenient places to shop in their neighborhoods,” said Mayor Fenty. “This store represents a major step forward in bringing investment to all parts of our city. We’ve we are committed to building great neighborhoods throughout the District and a first-class grocery store is a key amenity in any great neighborhood.”

The new store is a part of a project called the Shops at Park Village, which was developed by the William C. Smith Cos. and East of the River Community Development Corp. In addition to the Giant store, the project includes several other retail spaces and 75 new townhouses. As a part of the development agreement with the District, the development team agreed to donate 25 percent of the profits from the housing to the Town Hall Education, Arts & Recreation Campus (THEARC).

The store is located on the former National Guard facility site known as Camp Simms along Alabama Avenue SE. The District sold the property to the development team after holding a competitive solicitation process. Giant invested $12 million into the store, and it has hired about 150 employees.

The project is expected to generate $80 million in new tax revenue for the District during the next 20 years.