Re-envisioned acceleration for a resilient agricultural economy

The historic and iconic Hardwick Yellow Barn -- at the gateway to the village of Hardwick – is now reborn as a local food destination. The project consists of two core components: the adaptive reuse of the historic Yellow Barn, and the construction of a new facility.

The Barn. Cabot Creamery Cooperative will showcase its signature cheese, as well as other local foods at the gateway to Hardwick’s bustling downtown. Cabot’s hosted retail space features a wide array of Cabot cheese products, as well as an impressive selection of Vermont artisanal cheese, microbrews, hard cider, wine, and Vermont specialty foods. It’s open NOW, Wednesday through Sunday, 10-5, with a Grand Opening set for September 14th.

The Accelerator. The new 22,000 sf structure heightens the role of acceleration in the post-pandemic agricultural economy. There are two anchor tenants: the Center for Agricultural Economy and Jasper Hill Farm. Jasper Hill will expand its ecommerce fulfillment and consolidate inventory from scattered locations statewide. Slightly more than half the space is designated to the Center for an Agricultural Economy’s farm-to-supply chain services. Farm Connex, the CAE’s innovative direct shipment service, will expand its capacity from its new headquarters.

Regional Impact. Collectively, all tenants can commit to 25 full-time equivalent jobs created or saved. HYBBA 2.0 will be a magnet for locals and visitors to shop and be a point of interest to recreators on the newly completed Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which intersects with the Yellow Barn.

It’s Happening. Now. This ambitious project has been more than five years in the making – and now the dream is being realized. We opened bids on January 19th, 2023. We closed on New Market Tax Credit Financing the first week of June 2023. We awarded an $8 MM+ contract to Wright & Morrissey shortly after, and they have made incredible progress! The Barn rehab is now substantially complete. The Accelerator shell is close to completion, and the tenant fitup for that building is in full swing.

Latest update:

• Want to know more about what the CAE is doing in the new building? Check out this story on WCAX.
• Executive Summary
• Hardwick Yellow Barn reaches major milestone
• Cabot Creamery Grand Opening, Sept. 14
• Grand Opening of Cabot store set for September 14
• Small Towns Big Ideas: Yellow Barn is featured in the latest newsletter from the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.