Kroger buys property next to Union Avenue store for possible expansion |

(WMC-TV) - Midtowners may be a step closer to a bigger and better grocery shopping option.  Kroger has confirmed the purchase of property next door to its cramped Union Avenue store.

Officials tell Action News 5 the purchase was completed Wednesday.  The property includes the Belvedere high-rise apartment building and its parking lot.  Tenants have already been notified they'll have to look for a new place to live.

Kroger is still working to secure other adjoining properties in order to have enough space to expand or build a new store.

"It's right at a year since we purchased that store," said Kroger spokesman Joe Bell.  "So, to even talk about a future development in that area is obviously a plus and something we're very excited about," he added.

Kroger is currently building a new store at Poplar Plaza and recently updated and expanded a number of other Memphis-area locations.