SAINT JOHN, Ind. — Agen Development Group and DeMao Retail announce the completion of a new Jewel-Osco grocery store, a subsidiary of Albertsons Companies Inc., at 9548 Wicker Avenue in Saint John, Indiana, with a public grand opening scheduled for 6 a.m. on September 16.

The 70,088 square-foot store marks the full redevelopment of the former Kmart on Wicker Avenue, a site that closed in 2012 and had sat empty for more than a decade. The new Jewel-Osco includes a Starbucks, Drive Up & Go online order pickup, and a pharmacy with a drive thru. The property offers 271 parking spaces, including seven handicap spots and 12 dedicated Drive Up & Go spaces, six true drive-out stalls and six within standard parking.

Total investment in the project is approximately $36 to $38 million. Developers Agen Development Group and DeMao Retail, along with the project’s general contractor, the Peterson Company, contributed roughly $27 million, with Jewel-Osco investing an additional $5 to $7 million. The Town of Saint John approved the contribution of $3.5 million in economic development revenue bonds, to be repaid through tax increment financing revenue generated by the property's increased valuation, a public-private partnership designed to encourage redevelopment of the long-vacant storefront.

The Town of Saint John also supported a series of infrastructure and access improvements ahead of the opening. These include a larger pylon sign required by Jewel-Osco for new developments, redevelopment of the 97th Place and Keilman Street intersection to allow additional semi-trailer access, a new access road connecting the property through the Chase Bank and Great Lakes Orthopedics lots to the signalized intersection, and repaving of 95th Street ahead of delivery.

Bryan Foxworthy of Agen Development Group LLC, the project's lead developer, said the opening reflects years of coordinated work among everyone involved.

“Delivering the new Jewel-Osco in St. John took focus, discipline, and outstanding execution from every partner on the project,” Foxworthy said. “After nearly 15 years of sitting vacant along one of St. John's most highly traveled thoroughfares, this site is once again something the community can be proud of.”

Foxworthy credited the many organizations that helped bring the project to completion.

“Agen Development Group is honored to have brought this project to completion, and we're grateful to the Albertsons and the Jewel-Osco teams for trusting us with this build, to the Town of St. John for being a true partner throughout the process, and to The Peterson Company and every trade that put their hands on this project,” he said.

Del DeMao, of DeMao Retail and Agen Development Group, pointed to Saint John's growth as a key reason for the investment. Saint John is one of the fastest growing communities in Indiana, with an estimated 2026 population of roughly 25,700, up from 20,303 at the 2020 census, a gain of 26.6 percent, and annual growth continuing above 3 percent. As a fast expanding Chicago metro suburb in Lake County, the town has drawn strong single family home construction, homeownership above 97 percent, a median household income of $131,467, and a poverty rate near 2.1 percent.

“Beyond the numbers, Saint John has been a wonderful partner to collaborate with,” DeMao said. “Saint John's leaders were enthusiastic and supportive at every step, genuinely excited to bring a world class amenity like Jewel-Osco to their residents. We look forward to Jewel-Osco opening its doors to the community on September 16.”

The new store is expected to bring fresh grocery access, local jobs, and added foot traffic to the surrounding retail corridor in Saint John.

About Agen Development Group LLC

Agen Development Group LLC is a real estate development firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana, with more than 50 years of experience in the industry. Agen takes a hands-on approach to every project, acting as a strategic partner from concept to completion, navigating approvals, managing risk, and guiding tenants and investors through to opening their doors for business. The firm's senior-level attention gives clients an advantage in a complex retail market, with a goal that extends beyond real estate solutions to making a lasting difference in the communities it serves.

About DeMao Retail

DeMao Retail is a premier commercial real estate and tenant representation firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm specializes in retail, restaurant, and medical tenant representation, master brokerage services, site selection services, and restaurant, retail, and medical facility dispositions. DeMao Retail partners with national brands, regional operators, franchises, licensees, and local users to identify opportunities, negotiate favorable outcomes, and create successful retail environments. Through market expertise, trade area analysis, demographic research, strategic site selection, and skilled lease negotiations, the firm helps clients expand with confidence and maximize long-term value.