PROCON's design-build team placed the foundations for the 40,000 s/f Whole Foods Market that will anchor the upcoming Goffe Mill Plaza. The site is the former home of the Sheraton Wayfarer Inn and Conference Center, and was a hub for the presidential primary campaign trail for many years. The complex includes the proposed development of 2 restaurants, 73 apartment units, a fitness center, a Provident bank, and almost 8,000 s/f of retail space.
Manchester-based design-build firm PROCON is the architect and construction manager for the project. The company began construction on the mixed-use development in February. PROCON's project manager commented on the initial stage. "The concrete sub, Southern New Hampshire Concrete, did an exceptional job placing our foundations. The process went smoothly thanks, in part, to their experience and professionalism. Also, I'd like to mention the site contractor, Pichette Brothers, who did a great job preparing the site for the Whole Foods building."
Structural steel installation commenced in late May and is slated to last approximately six weeks. TFMoran was selected as the project's civil engineer and will oversee the connection of power, water and sewer services by the town's utility companies in June. Concurrent work on the building pad for the bank is scheduled for an end of June completion.
The plans call for the original Mill Building on the property to remain intact with an exterior refurbishment, and signage identifying its historical significance. The Goffe Mill project has rallied the enthusiasm of the town of Bedford, which anticipates the influx of new jobs, visitors and economic development that the plaza will bring. The Whole Foods shell and site work is expected to be completed in November.