Residents of the expansive Money Hill development, located just north of historic Abita Springs, will soon gain access to their first-ever dedicated grocery store. The 4,200-square-foot facility, dubbed “The Hill Market,” is slated for a Thanksgiving opening, marking a significant evolution in the services available to the 5,600-acre residential community and its surrounding neighbors.
The addition of the market is the latest step in a strategic plan by Money Hill leadership to transform a 15-acre section of the property into a commercial hub known as “The Village.”
## A New Hub for an Underserved Region
For years, the rural landscape between Abita Springs and Bush has been defined by its quiet, sprawling residential nature rather than commercial convenience. Residents in the area have long faced significant commutes just to reach the nearest grocer or physician. Money Hill President Mimi Goodyear Dossett highlighted that the market—alongside a St. Tammany Health System clinic that opened on the property in July 2025—is designed to bridge that gap.
According to internal projections, there are approximately 22,000 residents living within a five-mile radius of the new facility. By providing local access to essential services, Dossett hopes the market will serve as an anchor, acting as a catalyst to attract further investment, such as local insurance agencies and additional medical services, to the corridor.
## Curated Goods and Local Flavor
The Hill Market aims to be more than a standard convenience store. It is envisioned as a “destination” that balances everyday necessities with high-end, artisanal offerings. Shoppers can expect a selection of locally sourced produce, a dedicated deli and seafood counter—led by veteran culinary professionals—and a diverse range of wine and spirits. Notably, the market will highlight hyper-local products, including honey produced directly from the apiary on the Money Hill grounds.
The interior design is a nod to the property’s history, echoing the aesthetic of the original general stores that operated on the plantation grounds during the early 1900s. Beyond retail, the space will include a cafe serving breakfast and lunch, with plans to host community events, fostering a social atmosphere that reflects the “village” vision.
## Balancing Growth with Rural Character
The development of Money Hill represents a unique trajectory for St. Tammany Parish. While many large-scale housing projects in the region have faced intense public pushback from residents concerned about over-development and the loss of rural character, the Money Hill project has largely avoided such friction.
St. Tammany Council Member Cheryl Tanner, who represents the district, attributes this success to the developers’ deliberate, phased approach. Unlike rapid-fire housing developments, Money Hill has evolved slowly over three decades—transitioning from a family-owned campground and tung oil plantation into a community of nearly 800 homes across multiple subdivisions.
By integrating amenities like the clinic and the grocery store into the master plan, developers are ensuring that growth remains sustainable. For the existing population in areas like Grande Hills Estates and Whippoorwill Grove, this is a welcome transition. Rather than driving long distances to Covington or neighboring towns for a few basic items, local families will soon find those needs met right in their backyard.
As the construction wraps up, the community anticipates that the market will become a staple of local life, proving that thoughtfully integrated commercial development can successfully coexist with a rural lifestyle.
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