January 2023 Project Update
Developer Update (Peron Development):
The developer’s construction teams from Boyle Construction 
are continuing their site work. Steel work, concrete raised deck, CMU towers (concrete masonry units, for the stairwell and elevator shafts), and sanitary sewer connection to the building have all been completed. Underground plumbing rough-ins have started, and framing is still set to begin mid-January.
Store Design Update:
The co-op’s project management team, Simplified Business Solutions, is working with our design teams on the next phase of store design. Now that we have a final layout, our teams are focused on equipment and fixture specifications.
After our store designers, Seven Roots, have specified all equipment and fixtures for the store, our interior décor team, Aurora Display, will begin work on their portion of this phase, which includes things like selecting millwork finishes, color palettes, styles, and more! We expect to work on this phase of the design through the end of February.
When we have final cut sheets (specifications documents), our project management team will release an RFP (request for proposal) for equipment supplies and collect quotes.
Grant Update:
The City of Bethlehem and the co-op have received the first round of feedback from HUD (federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, which is administering the grant) on the grant narrative. Our project management team is working on incorporating the edits to our narrative and budget and will submit the final documents this month. Our next steps will be to receive a grant agreement for signature from HUD and the City.
General Manager Hiring Update:
The General Manager Search Committee is narrowing the search to a handful of qualified candidates, and hopes to hire a general manager this spring.