New full-service independent grocery store planned for South Madison, Wisconsin

A new, 24,000-square-foot grocery store is being planned for South Madison, Wisconsin, following an agreement reached with the city of Madison and grocery owner Kristie Maurer. The grocery store, Maurer's Urban Market, will be the anchor commercial tenant in the $42 million, six-story redevelopment underway on the city’s south side, the city of Madison announced on its website Tuesday.

The city will be purchasing condo space for the grocery store from development team Rule Enterprises and nonprofit Movin’ Out and leasing it to Maurer to open her store. The lease will be 15 years with several renewal options. The grocery store is expected to open later this year at 815 Cedar Street.

“This agreement is a major step forward in securing access to healthy food in South Madison for decades to come,” said Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway in a statement. “I want to thank Maurer’s Urban Markets, Rule Enterprises, Movin' Out Inc. and everyone involved in this project for their dedication to our community.”

Maurer’s Urban Market says it will provide everyday staples, as well as a wide selection of fresh produce, meat, seafood, deli and bakery.

“As a second-generation grocer, I am beyond excited to be branching out on my own and creating a local, woman-owned grocery store," said Maurer, who is an owner of the Wisconsin Dells-based Maurer’s Market. “I cannot wait to design and create a store that represents the neighborhood and my passion for food. I love the fact that this store will help bring healthy food options to the neighborhood and inspire a generation of healthy living.”

South Madison has had a grocery store since the 1950s, and this project will help ensure that the area is served by a full-service grocery store for years to come, the city said in a statement. A Pick 'n Save grocery store is soon slated to close in the city, according to local media reports. 

The site, which is now under construction, will consist of 150 units of affordable housing with the grocery store on the first floor.

“We’ve heard loud and clear from those who work and live in South Madison that a new grocery store is a top priority. We are pleased to fill this need and move forward with this project,” said Economic Development Director Matt Mikolajewski.