Renovations Begin at Future Providence Whole Foods

Crews have started site improvements at the former Eastside Marketplace location on Pitman Street.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Openings & Closings

A brick commercial building behind orange construction fencing, showing site preparation work in a city neighborhood. — Renovations have officially commenced at 165 Pitman St in Providence, the site of a future Whole Foods grocery store. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Workers have officially begun renovations at the 165 Pitman St site in Providence, which is slated to become a new Whole Foods grocery store. The property, measuring 33,800 square feet, follows the closure of the Eastside Marketplace last year.

Why it matters

The transformation of this retail space represents a significant change for local shoppers who lost their community market in October 2024. The arrival of Whole Foods secures a long-term anchor tenant for this specific property.

Whole Foods has signed a 20-year lease for the 33,800-square-foot space. The agreement includes options to extend the lease term for up to 30 years.

The players

Whole Foods

An American multinational supermarket chain that specializes in selling products free from hydrogenated fats and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Eastside Marketplace

A long-standing local grocery store that served the Providence community until it concluded operations in late 2024.

The details

City officials have issued permits authorizing the necessary electrical and fire suppression work required for the building conversion. While fencing has been installed and the previous branding removed, the specific timeline for store completion remains unknown.

October 31, 2024: Eastside Marketplace closed its doors.
October 2026: Renovation work began at the site.

Market Landscape

This development follows a period of significant grocery turnover in the Northeast, marked by the closure of 32 Stop & Shop stores. The move cements Whole Foods' presence in the area, positioning the national retailer to capture market share from the former local grocer.

Local residents will see active construction at the Pitman Street site as the property undergoes interior upgrades. While the new store will eventually provide expanded retail options, the community must continue to rely on other neighborhood grocers until a launch date is confirmed.

The takeaway

The conversion of the Pitman Street property marks a transition from a local independent grocer to a national retail chain. Residents should anticipate ongoing construction activity at the site while the building is brought up to new specifications.