It's not the years, it's the mileage, as Indiana Jones once famously opined. Well, sometimes it's the years, too.
That's what's driving Publix Super Markets Inc. to raze its 40,000-square-foot store in Disston Plaza, in St. Petersburg, and replace it next year.
The new 45,600-square-foot Publix will anchor a newly renovated Disston, which will feature new lighting, landscaping and parking improvements. A new traffic signal is being installed, as well, and a roadway in the area will be widened.
Plaza owner The Sembler Co. says the balance of the 123,000-square-foot retail center, at 3501 49th St. N, will remain open during the renovations. They, too, are scheduled to be completed by fall 2018.
Brian West, a Publix spokesman, notes the existing supermarket dates back to 1961.
“We have a great customer base there, so there's no need to go to another location,” says West. “It's just a very tired building and time to re-do it.”