Installation of new floor underway in Farmers Hall,
part of the contamination cleanup process
The Vermont Farmers Food Center (VFFC) is moving towards the reopening of Farmers Hall.
“We are very excited to be installing the new floor,” said Heidi Lynch, VFFC’s executive director.
As part of VFFC’s building renovation and campus expansion project, an environmental assessment discovered an air quality issue in Farmers Hall, a remnant from the historic building’s past use. This discovery has caused a two-year environmental remediation process for the project, but has allowed VFFC to make the former industrial site safe for adaptive reuse.
With an $800,000 grant this past September from the Brownfield Revitalization Fund within the Vermont Department of Economic Development, remediation work is in process. Contractors are installing a plastic vapor barrier and two inches of insulation underneath four inches of concrete. General Contractor Greg Whitehorn stated, “Installation is on schedule and nearly complete.”
After the retesting of air quality and final approval by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, Farmers Hall will be cleared for occupancy.
Currently VFFC is in conversation with tenants and prospective tenants to begin planning for resuming day-to-day operations.
Upon hearing of the progress in Farmers Hall, Kristie Farnham, director of business support with the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development stated, “Please allow me to extend my most sincere congratulations. After years, years, of hurdles it is finally happening! This is truly fantastic news! Thank you for your steadfast approach.”
