Freestore Foodbank Community Resource & Distribution Center

Owner

Freestore Foodbank

Location

Cincinnati, OH

Size

224,000 SF

Completion Date

2023

Project Delivery Method

Project Summary

The Freestore Foodbank Community Resource & Distribution Center is a 224,000 SF, $32 million facility designed to consolidate five separate operations into a single, high-efficiency hub serving the Greater Cincinnati region. Delivered through a design-build partnership, the project integrates large-scale food distribution, cold storage, workforce training, and community support services under one roof. Built on a redeveloped 23-acre former rail yard site, the facility significantly expands the organization’s capacity, enabling it to double meal distribution while improving storage, logistics, and operational efficiency. Beyond distribution, the building functions as a community anchor, incorporating training programs and educational spaces that support long-term workforce development and economic mobility.

Key Features

Centralized 224,000 SF Facility: Consolidates five separate operations into a single, purpose-built hub, dramatically improving efficiency and coordination across all services.
Doubled Distribution Capacity: Designed to significantly increase food throughput, enabling the organization to meet growing regional demand and expand its impact.
Integrated Cold & Dry Storage Infrastructure: Includes large-scale dry storage plus dedicated cooler and freezer space, allowing for full-spectrum food handling from shelf-stable to perishable.
Workforce Development & Training Facilities: Features a commercial training kitchen, classrooms, and program space supporting job training and long-term economic mobility initiatives
Design-Build Delivery for Operational Efficiency: Executed through a fully integrated design-build approach, aligning building systems with real operational workflows from day one.
Brownfield Redevelopment on 23 Acres: Transforms a former rail yard into a productive community asset, demonstrating capability in complex site development and adaptive land use.