Eastside Co-op — Minneapolis, MN
Eastside Food Co-op was functioning at top capacity, and its Board of Directors decided to expand. PlanForce helped them design and implement a 5,700 SF grocery space that included a coffee shop, community room, office space, employee break room, receiving, and produce.
Eastside Food Co-op is located in a busy urban neighborhood. The Co-op owned their property, but only occupied two-thirds of the building. With the projected expansion into the additional available space, the sales floor doubled in size.
During design studies, the adjacent property came to the market. The Co-op was able to purchase the property and a larger addition ensued. With a larger site, adequate delivery access and ample parking are provided. A rain garden and underground storm water retention system were incorporated into the site.
Overcoming Regulatory Challenges
Multiple design challenged required by the city planning department were met. They included specific window sizes and its placement, specified use of exterior finish materials, signage size and design, pedestrian and vehicular site access, storm water retention, and unique landscape requirements. The remodeled building encompassed 17,800 square feet.
A rain garden and underground storm water retention system were incorporated into the site.
