LEAP is honored to lead the design team for Phase 2 of the Capital Roots Urban Grow Center in Troy, NY. This is a 32,000 ft² expansion, which includes NET-Zero greenhouses, a community accessible commercial kitchen, and facilities for job-readiness training.
Capital Roots Urban Grow Center, Phase 2
Phase 2 of the Urban Grow Center is quite an ambitious project, both in the breath and depth. It’s spread over 2 full city blocks and includes the design and construction of:
- Hydroponic greenhouses for four season food production and training
- A multi-use building with a shared use incubator kitchen
- Several community resource and outreach rooms (for teaching and training)
- Indoor and outdoor event spaces
- Marketplace for residents to purchase fresh, local produce at reduced cost
The incubator kitchen has been designed for food-based, start-up companies to have 24/7 access to a commercial kitchen space, connect with local farmers and receive business mentor-ship from the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region. The greenhouses and community rooms will serve hard to employ adults by training them through their Greenhouse-based job readiness program. The expanded Produce Market will provide the neighborhood with a variety of fresh, local and affordable produce, to what is otherwise a food desert.
Sustainable technologies include solar generation and water heating, runoff reduction, water reuse, permeable pavers, green roofs and LED lighting.
Vegetables and Sustainability for All
This is a great project for so many reasons. First of all, Capital Roots is unwavering in their mission to nourish healthy communities by providing access to fresh food and green spaces for all. All of the design decisions they make come back to the questions: “does this help fulfill our mission?” It was clear from the very beginning that the community benefit and environmental impact of this project were of utmost importance.
The Urban Grow Center will be a model—a beacon—for what sustainability can look like in an urban setting, while being of service to its community.
The Urban Grow Center is a regional food hub where the power of local agriculture is being channeled for the social, economic, and physical benefits of the entire Capital Region. You can support Capital Roots by making a donation here.
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