A locally owned grocery store in Montana is expanding in a redeveloping area providing a catalyst for further development and numerous accessible jobs.
Bozeman’s Community Food Co-op nearly doubled in size with the expansion of its West Main facility. The two-story addition includes a commercial kitchen, receiving area, and high-bay storage, as well as offices and a large meeting room, efficiently consolidating all Co-op operations under one roof, replacing multiple off-site production facilities and offices.
Prioritizing a sustainable design approach that embraces Montana’s natural resources, the 23,000 sq. ft. expansion features a cross-laminated timber (CLT) structural system, a vegetated rooftop, and a cogeneration power system. These features reduce energy consumption and have long-term economic advantages. Cost-competitive CLT replaces similar, traditional structural materials and sequesters carbon. The green roof reflects less heat, exhales oxygen, and reduces the building’s cooling load. In addition, it creates habitat for birds and insects, mitigates stormwater runoff, and has an insulating effect. The cogeneration power system reclaims heat from the primary electrical heating system and preheats domestic hot water for kitchen use and preheat outside air.