Dear Bloomingfoods Owner-Members & Shoppers,
My name is Isabelle Daellenbach, the current president of the Bloomingfoods Board of Directors. As you all may know, a lot of construction activity continues behind the East side location. I’m reaching out to explain the changes and share the board’s thoughts about it.
First, I want to say thank you all for your patience throughout the great deal of construction! Our wonderful marketing team has been creatively working to keep you all informed as entrances open and close. We this page on our website, East Store Updates, dedicated to these updates. Although these conditions are not ideal, we appreciate you all continuing to show up and support the coop.
So, what is the construction next door and when will it be done? Current at Latimer Square is a housing development due to open in the Fall of 2023. The complex is expected to house 900 beds in 340 units, comprised of student-geared apartments and multi-family residences. Unlike previously thought, Bloomingfoods will remain where it is and has secured a new long-term lease. The developers will alter, but not shrink, our parking lot and will increase greenspace.
Currently, the Board and the GMs are working to better understand who our new neighbors will be, as a large student population will change the demographics of our East store customer base. The Board and the Owner Member Connection Committee plans to work with a Kelley Fellow who will help us research this question. We look forward to connecting our new neighbors with our democratic cooperative model and our quality, local, and healthful products.
On the horizon, five or so years from now, we are thinking about an expansion of the East store. This is important because our current building needs significant upgrades for internal efficiency and to keep up with all the growth of the East side. An expansion also provides an opportunity to consider how Bloomingfoods can best serve the community.
What is Bloomingfoods doing now to prepare for this expansion?
First, our General Managers (GMs) are working hard to build staff readiness, ensuring we have strong leadership to guide staff through these big changes.
Second, GMs are making gradual improvements to the East store’s infrastructure that will last through the renovations. Some vital repairs and upgrades include improving the roof and entrances and adding new portable deli equipment.
The Board is discussing financing and has begun talking with banks to educate ourselves about healthy financial readiness. The Board has also made progress addressing our current member loans.
As we move into the next phases of the expansion project, we look forward to connecting with you, the owner-members, about our community’s visions for the East store. If you are an Owner-Member and would like to join us, all of our monthly board meetings are open to you! You can also find meeting information, agenda, and minutes on our website at www.bloomingfoods.coop/board.
If you have any questions or thoughts, please reach out! You can contact any board member, or email me at isabelle.d@bloomingfoods.coop.
Thank you all for your continued support of the Co-op!
Sincerely,
Isabelle