Northampton, MA McSweeney Construction and Development Corp. has completed the renovation of The Hempest dispensary, located at 2 Conz St. 

Founded in 1995, The Hempest provides locally grown and sourced hemp products, and works to ensure all organic and sustainable practices are carried throughout the journey of the grow in order to ensure the best product for its consumers, employees, and Mother Earth. The company’s Northampton location was opened in 2001.

The project required extensive coordination and included expanding the company’s existing 750 s/f retail space into a two-story, 2,600 s/f dispensary and retail store in the same building. Both floors were gutted, and all of the interior infrastructure was rebuilt.

McSweeney installed solid core maple doors, along with antique wood accents constructed from reclaimed wood, eliminating the commercial look of the metal door frames and transforming the space into a warm and inviting space with a residential feel. Earth tones were chosen for interior walls, including Benjamin Moore’s Hemp Seed paint color. Wood grain luxury vinyl flooring was chosen to contribute to the welcoming environment.

Jon Napoli, owner of The Hempest, had a vision to design a space that gets away from the corporate atmosphere typical of so many dispensaries. Napoli says, “The new location has a more natural gallery feel featuring artwork and hand blown glass, pipes, and accessories, instead of the typical feeling of a clinic or pharmacy like you see in so many other retail cannabis stores. It feels like a place you want to spend time looking around, shopping, or just hanging out.”

The team at McSweeney also constructed a security station at the entrance, a packaging room, and a complete security system necessary for retail cannabis operations. Brian McSweeney, president and CEO of McSweeney Construction, said, “The Cannabis Control Commission has set forth rigorous security requirements for cannabis dispensaries which place an importance on building security and neighborhood protection. We worked with Jon to ensure all requirements were met while creating a unique, warm, and modern environment consistent with the well-established Hempest brand.”

McSweeney also successfully completed the project at over $100,000 less than the original budget, while staying true to the design intent and style. “Brian was very responsive, always on top of the job, and completed the project on time. He was always there to comply with all of the rigorous regulatory needs that any cannabis project requires. He and his team brought unique design ideas to the project, and we’re very happy with the result,” said Napoli. 

McSweeney said, “You can tell that Jon, his employees, and The Hempest clients are truly passionate about sourcing products with a focus on sustainability and reducing their carbon footprint. Jon was also instrumental in helping pass the medical and adult use marijuana laws in Massachusetts. It was a pleasure to complete this project for him, and I look forward to working on more projects in the cannabis space, and helping owners of nontraditional businesses achieve their visions.”

Construction was completed in August 2020. The location has received its final license and will reopen for business in March.

McSweeney has also begun construction on a retail space for Mellow Fellows in Haverhill. Managed by Mass Prop Invest LLC of Wellesley, the project will include the gutting and renovation of a former restaurant into a dispensary for the owners. Matthew Juros, principal of Fishbrook Design Studio, is the architect on the project.