Indianapolis-based DeMao Retail hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Sept. 4 for the planned Jewel-Osco grocery store in St. John.

Representatives from Jewel-Osco, local government officials, community stakeholders and project partners attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

The new 70,000-square-foot grocery store will be at 9548 Wicker Ave. It will offer fresh produce, prepared meals, a pharmacy and household staples.

“This project is a direct result of collaboration between Jewel-Osco, local leaders and the development team,” said Jennifer Hallgarth, DeMao Retail owner, in a press release. “It’s exciting to see this vision for enhancing retail in St. John come to life.”

Indianapolis-based Peterson Co. will serve as the general contractor for the project.

The store’s anticipated opening date is in 2026.

DeMao Retail is a commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm. It specializes in the growth and expansion of national retailers.