Whole Foods Parking Lot Expansion: It’s Real

It’s no secret that Whole Foods parking lots are notorious for being full. And the San Rafael Whole Foods parking lot has been no exception.

The two lots for San Rafael’s 16-year-old Whole Foods Market at 340 3rd Street are often at or near capacity, said Adam Smith, executive coordinator of construction and design for the Whole Foods Market Northern California Region.

When a gas station adjacent to both parking lots went on the market, Whole Foods officials jumped on it. They signed a lease for the new space and took possession of it in Nov. 2012. They hope to have a new parking lot finished by June.

Changes have already been made to the lot at 320 Second Street — the former Power Petroleum station and pumps have been demolished. 

Plans for the new parking lot will link the two lots on the property — one off Mary Street and the other off Union Street.

The expansion will also add bicycle parking and expand the store’s outdoor seating areas, according to Smith.

“The plans are awaiting approval with the City of San Rafael,” Smith wrote in an e-mail.

Last summer, crews remodeled the store’s bakery, coffee and juice bar and prepared foods area. 

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