Re-envisioned acceleration for a resilient agricultural economy
The historic and iconic Hardwick Yellow Barn -- at the gateway to the village of Hardwick -- will be 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 will showcase the region’s top food artisans. Active sampling and events will be held there, including regular tastings by local businesses such as Caledonia Spirits and Blake Hill Preserves.
The Accelerator. Redesigned and streamlined, 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. Space designated to the Center for an Agricultural Economy’s farm-to-supply chain services has more than doubled from original plans. 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.
Shovel Ready. Bids were opened on January 19th and a contract with Wright and Morrissey is being executed. The project is working toward a New Markets Tax Credit financing closing no later than the first week of May, and construction will commence shortly after. Construction is expected to take place for approximately one year.
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