News Summary
The City Commission of Tallahassee is set to award a construction contract to Tip Top Construction for the new Griffin Heights Grocery Store. This project, aimed at enhancing food accessibility in the community, is funded by Neighborhood First funds. The store is designed to offer essential services and engage local residents through dedicated community space. The construction will take place at Alabama and Harlem Streets, marking a significant milestone in the city’s revitalization efforts.
City of Tallahassee to Discuss Construction Contract for Griffin Heights Grocery Store
On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the City Commission of Tallahassee will consider awarding a construction contract for the new Griffin Heights Grocery Store. The recommended contractor for the project is Tip Top Construction, which submitted the lowest responsive bid worth $1,287,040.
The funding for this grocery store initiative will come from the Neighborhood First funds allocated by the Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Affairs Department under its Capital Budget. This project reflects ongoing efforts in local development aimed at enhancing food accessibility within the community.
Details of the Grocery Store Project
The property designated for the grocery store is located at the corner of Alabama and Harlem Streets. This site was previously purchased by the Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) as part of a development initiative to foster a healthy food retail environment. The property was formally transferred to the city for the specific purpose of supermarket development, addressing community requests outlined in the Neighborhood First Plan.
The construction plans for the grocery store, which spans approximately 2,500 square feet, were developed by the architecture firm Lewis+Whitlock (ALW). The store will include designated community space aimed at various outreach and engagement activities, fulfilling the needs expressed by local residents.
Bidding Process and Contractor Selection
The first Invitation for Bid (IFB) was issued in July 2024, but the city received only one bid. To encourage more competitive offers, the city re-advertised the project twice, culminating in a final solicitation in early 2025 that yielded two bids. Ultimately, Tip Top Construction emerged as the chosen contractor, successfully meeting the Office of Economic Vitality Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) goals as outlined in the city’s procurement process.
Broader Impacts and Related Projects
In a separate action, the Leon County Commission approved a contract for $2.16 million for the repair of the Amtrak Station Visitor Center Building, awarding the project to H.A. Contracting Corp.. This project is set to commence in July 2025, with an anticipated completion date around spring 2026. The funding for this initiative is sourced from insurance proceeds and an available balance within the Tourism Fund, ensuring that a 20% contingency is in place for any unforeseen conditions related to the historical nature of the facility, bringing the total project budget to $2.6 million.
Community Engagement and Future Developments
Throughout the planning and development stages for the grocery store, city officials have conducted several neighborhood meetings to ensure community input has been adequately considered. This engagement shows the city’s commitment to transparency and responsiveness to the needs of its residents, ultimately aiming to improve neighborhood resources and access to essential goods.
The upcoming commission meeting will provide an opportunity for local stakeholders and residents to stay informed about these developments and to understand how they may directly benefit their community. The Griffin Heights Grocery Store project is not only a step towards improving food access but also serves as a significant milestone in the ongoing revitalization efforts within Tallahassee.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports: Griffin Heights Grocery Store
- Wikipedia: Tallahassee
- Tallahassee Democrat: Amtrak Visitor Center Repairs
- Google Search: Tallahassee City Commission
- Tallahassee Reports: Starmetro Charging Stations
- Google Scholar: Tallahassee Community Engagement
- Florida Politics: Tallahassee International Airport Additions
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tallahassee
