HWFC approves 3t's design of 31,000 s/f market: $6 million project to begin in the late spring; Construction manager is Bishop Beaudry

According to Honest Weight Food Co-op, Inc. (HWFC), the membership voted to approve the design of the new 31,000 s/f market being proposed for Watervliet Ave. near exit 5 of I-90. 3t, a design studio based in the downtown area, worked with HWFC for the past several months to help the co-op realize their vision for the site and building. Bishop Beaudry Construction is the construction manager. Cindee Lolik, HWFC operations & administrative coordinator, said that the membership voted 185-17 to approve the design, and that they were pleased at the large turnout from the membership at the meeting. "We are very excited at the progress of this important project, it will allow us to expand to serve the needs of our growing community of members, shareholders and customers," said Lolik. "We are particularly excited about having more space for community outreach programs like a 'Teaching Kitchen,' which are as vital to the mission of the co-op as the selection of the quality foods we offer." Lolik said that the co-op is undertaking a major fundraising effort for the project, and has engaged its shareholders to provide loans. The project is an opportunity for shareholders to invest locally. HWFC contracted with 3t to work with them to develop the project. 3t has a commitment to sustainable and green design, and has been involved in a number of urban revitalization projects. 3t is designing the building for LEED certification, a green building designation. 3t principal and founder Scott Townsend said that the building will have a partial green roof, porous pavement throughout the site, rapidly renewable materials installed, special planters to assist with storm water runoff, energy efficient mechanical/electrical/plumbing (MEP) design. The building will have a plethora of natural light and will utilize daylight harvesting methods to save energy. John Bishop of Bishop Beaudry Construction said he expected to start construction on the project in the late spring of this year, with a completion slated for spring, 2010. Bishop said that the first group of bids will be solicited in the next few weeks from structural steel, precast and timber framing construction firms. Construction costs will be $6 million.