Full-service grocery store in the works for Ashland Square development

Potomac District Residents can anticipate a significant addition to their community with the imminent arrival of a new full-service grocery store. The latest update on the Ashland Square development was shared by Steven Powell, Senior Vice President for Saul Centers, owners of the Ashland Square development at Route 234 and Spriggs Road, near Dumfries.

The company is in talks with an unnamed grocer to build a new store.”We’ve been actively negotiating with a large, full-service grocery store chain for several months now,” he said. While the deal has not yet been finalized, Powell expressed confidence in the negotiations, stating, “We are very excited about the prospect of bringing a quality grocery store to the community.”

The anticipated grocery store, more significant than average and offering a comprehensive range of products and services, said Powell, aims to cater to the diverse needs of Dumfries residents. Powell emphasized the importance of this development, acknowledging the community’s patience and the significance of addressing a longstanding need.

Residents expressed enthusiasm for the potential arrival of the grocery store, citing the convenience and accessibility it would offer the community. “Having a full-service grocery store nearby would be a game-changer for us,” remarked one resident, echoing the sentiments of many eagerly anticipating the store’s opening.

While specific details regarding the grocer’s identity and the timeline for the store’s opening remain undisclosed, Powell assured residents that negotiations were progressing positively. “We are burning through resources to ensure a smooth negotiation process,” Powell noted.

The announcement came during a town hall meeting hosted by Prince William County Potomac District Supervisor Andrea Bailey on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2024. Powell also told residents a new h Wawa gas station would be built on a corner parcel at the shopping center, joining the existing CVS store and All-American Steakhouse. Negotiations are ongoing for two additional tenants on an adjacent parcel, he added.

Residents voiced concerns about the potential impact of the new Wawa gas station on an existing Exxon station. They fear competition from Wawa will lead to the closure of an existing Exxon gas station next to Ashland Square.”We understand the concerns, but we’re confident in the benefits Wawa will bring, including competitive prices and expanded services,” Powell reassured.

A Capital One bank at Ashland Square is set to close this week, too, prompting questions about what might open in the soon-to-be vacant building. Powell assured residents his firm is working to find a replacement tenant for the bank building.

Additionally, plans for a new fire station adjacent to the grocery store site were mentioned, with an anticipated opening in 2027. Powell expressed optimism about the project’s progress. “We’re excited about the potential benefits Ashland Square will bring to the community and remain committed to collaborative engagement,” said Powell.

Ashland Square is located in Phase 1 of the 850-home residential PUD known as Ashland. The surrounding community continues to expand with additional single-family residential development. The 19-acre development is slated for 140,000 square feet of retail space and 25,000 Square feet of office space.

Prince William County resident Alan Gloss documented this meeting.