Whole Foods Parking: Shoppes at Arbor Lakes Officials Look to Nearby Ramp

Summer months will bring a large influx of cars to The Shoppes at Arbor Lakes. And with Whole Foods Market shooting to move into the old Ultimate Electronics site in July, some Maple Grove residents think parking will become a problem.

When Patch published a Whole Foods construction update article, reader Simply Red expressed excitement for the new store, but also had reservations about where cars will park.

Parking will be a SERIOUS problem in that location though. It is impossible to find a parking spot already with only Trader Joe's and Rodizio Grill. The parking garage location is an unacceptable alternative for a grocery shopping trip.....especially in winter.

Jennifer Zafft, Marketing Director for The Shoppes, said that parking has been a major consideration.

“We currently have designated employee parking in outer areas of the lot which will be relocated prior to Whole Food’s opening,” Zaft told Patch. “Granite City has added valet parking, so that will limit restaurant overflow across Main Street.”

Zaft said that peak shopping times for Arbor Lakes shoppers are evenings and weekends, which is when the nearby metro transit ramp has the most availability.

“The parking ramp will be utilized,” Zaft said. “We do anticipate that it will  be a busy lot, but are confident that we will be able to manage it.”

The City of Maple Grove considered parking when it first approved plans for the reconstruction of Whole Foods. Zaft mentioned that the property was planned with the parking ratios in mind for the square footage of the buildings.  

“We have a Security team here that will continue to work with guests and employees to make sure that we maximize the parking,” Zaft said. “We also have a great relationship with Whole Foods and will work with them once the store is open to address any issues.”