Manekin Construction, LLC has completed construction of a new Safeway with an underground parking facility at 3838 Howard Ave. in Kensington, Md. The 52,644-square-foot store opened for business on Feb. 7.

About the store

Designed by MV+A Architects to fit the nature of the neighborhood, the store features the retailer’s new lifestyle format with such features as an open-flame hearth oven and ice seafood case – both of which are only offered in one other Eastern Division location at present – an expanded deli department, Starbucks Coffee bar and Bergmann’s Dry Cleaners.

Mahogany wood and other natural materials are prevalent throughout the service departments.

Recessed incandescent and halogen lighting establishes a warm atmosphere and direct attention to the merchandise within each department. Additionally, kiosks replace the traditional counter areas found in previous generations of Safeway stores.

Reminiscent of patisserie and artisan shops, the bakery is anchored by the hearth oven where European-style Artisan breads will be baked fresh daily. Customers can select from an assortment of fresh breads (featuring several exclusive varieties with guaranteed hot French bread available during dinner hours) and baked goods, in addition to a wide assortment of gourmet desserts and personalized birthday cakes.

The expanded deli offers a wide variety of hot and cold prepared foods including the company's signature line of fresh, restaurant-quality soups, made-to-order sandwiches, salads and a sushi bar. This department also includes a separate self-serve olive bar, salad bar and home meal replacement bar where shoppers can select from a variety of hot entrees and side dishes to create ready-to-serve meals in a matter of minutes.

A specially designed service case in the meat department allows customers to personally select from a choice of freshly cut or fresh, pre-packaged meats. All fresh meat and seafood can be seasoned or marinated for customers at no additional cost.

The produce department offers a large selection of fresh and organic fruits and vegetables, including items that may be unique or first available to Safeway. In addition, organic products are available throughout the store in the dry grocery and frozen food sections, many under the company’s O Organics label.

An expanded floral department offers an array of household and decorative accessories, in addition to an expansive assortment of fresh-cut flowers, topiaries and potted plants. The floral staff also can assist shoppers with custom orders for weddings, proms and other special occasions.

About Manekin Construction

Manekin Construction previously built a new Safeway on Kent Island. Currently, it is building a new Safeway with an underground parking facility in Arnold, Md.

The firm’s grocery portfolio includes the recent completion of two new Shoppers Food Warehouse stores in Baltimore City and Lanham, as well as conversion of eight stores for Shoppers. Additionally, Manekin has built eight grocery-anchored retail centers and two additional supermarkets in Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick and Prince George’s counties and Baltimore City. It also renovated the Whole Foods Market in Baltimore’s Mt. Washington community and built Klein’s Supermarket in Jacksonville, Md.