Jewel-Osco officially opened its 70,000-square-foot store in St. John during a grand opening Sept. 16. It replaces a former Kmart that had been closed since 2012.
The location, which was empty for more than a decade, is the chain's fifth in Northwest Indiana and its 190th store overall.
Indianapolis-based DeMao Retail began construction Sept. 4, 2025, at 9548 Wicker Ave. The St. John location features Jewel-Osco's full shopping experience, including produce, butchers, bakery, deli, sushi made in store, floral, a pharmacy, Starbucks and drive-up service.
“Investing in Northwest Indiana continues to be an important part of our growth strategy,” said Phil Romanello, Jewel-Osco's market vice president of operations, in a press release.
Cost of the project was estimated between $36 million and $38 million. Developers Agen Development Group, DeMao Retail and the project's general contractor Indianapolis-based Peterson Co. invested about $27 million into the project. Jewel-Osco's investment was between $5 million and $7 million.
The Town of St. John also approved $3.5 million in economic development revenue bonds that will be repaid with TIF revenue. Those funds will come from increased property value. The bonds were issue, in part, to encourage the company to redevelop the site.
“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.”
The 97th Place and Keilman Street intersection was redeveloped to support increased traffic, and 95th Street also was repaved. An access road also was built through the Chase Bank and Great Lakes Orthopedics parking lots to connect the store to a signaled intersection.
“Delivering the new Jewel-Osco in St. John took focus, discipline and outstanding execution from every partner on the project,” said Bryan Foxworthy of Agen Development Group LLC, the project's lead developer. “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.”
DeMao Retail and Agen Development Group reported that St. John was chosen because of its growth trajectory. Population is up 26% since the 2020 U.S. Census, from 20,303 to an estimated 25,700 in 2026.
“Beyond the numbers, St. John has been a wonderful partner to collaborate with,” said Del DeMao, of DeMao Retail and Agen Development Group. “St. John's leaders were enthusiastic and supportive at every step, genuinely excited to bring a world-class amenity like Jewel-Osco to their residents.”
The Jewel-Osco Foundation donated almost $20,000 during a ribbon cutting Sept. 15. Grants benefited the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, More Than Meals Food Pantry, VFW Post 717 and the Lake Central High School Marching Band.
“The opening of our St. John store not only creates jobs and expands access to fresh, quality foods, e-commerce and pharmacy services, but also strengthens our commitment to addressing food insecurity through partnerships with local hunger-relief organizations and support from the Jewel-Osco Foundation,” Romanello said.
DeMao Retail is a commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm. It specializes in the growth and expansion of national retailers.
Jewel-Osco, which was founded in 1899, owned by Albertsons Companies. It employs about 31,000 people.
