News Summary
Tallahassee is set to award a construction contract for the much-anticipated Griffin Heights Grocery Store, aiming to improve community access to healthy food options. The project, with an estimated cost of $1,287,040, is funded through Neighborhood First resources and is designed by Lewis+Whitlock. Community engagement has been integral to the planning process, ensuring the store meets local needs. Tip Top Construction was selected after a competitive bidding process, demonstrating commitment to include minority and small business enterprises in their practices.
Tallahassee is set to award a construction contract for the highly anticipated Griffin Heights Grocery Store, with the city commission considering a recommendation to approve the contract for Tip Top Construction. The projected cost for the new grocery store is estimated at $1,287,040.
The funding allocated for this project will be sourced from the Neighborhood First funds that are part of the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Affairs Department’s Capital Budget. The grocery store property is strategically located at the corner of Alabama and Harlem Streets in Griffin Heights, a neighborhood that has long expressed the need for better access to fresh and healthy food options.
The initiative for the grocery store emerged as a direct response to requests made by Griffin Heights residents, as documented in their Neighborhood First Plan. The property was initially acquired by the city’s Office of Economic Vitality (OEV) to facilitate the development of a grocery store that addresses the community’s needs. Following the purchase, the property was transferred to the City of Tallahassee to see the project through.
The architectural details of the grocery store have been handled by Lewis+Whitlock (ALW), who designed a structure covering approximately 2,500 square feet. The design aims to harmonize with the existing homes and buildings in the area, providing a fitting addition to the community’s landscape. Key features of the store include inclusivity of a community space that will be appropriate for various outreach and engagement activities.
Community involvement has played a significant role in the planning of the grocery store. The city hosted several neighborhood meetings, allowing residents and stakeholders to contribute their thoughts and ideas throughout the development process. This engagement underscores the city’s commitment to ensuring that the grocery store meets the specific needs and desires of the community it serves.
The journey towards awarding the construction contract began in July 2024 with the release of the Invitation for Bid (IFB) for grocery store construction (RFQ-008-25-KM). In the first solicitation, the city received only a single bid. The bid was subsequently re-advertised two more times to stimulate competitive interest. The final solicitation (IFB 053-25-KM) resulted in two submitted bids, with Tip Top Construction ultimately providing the lowest responsive bid of $1,287,040.
Tip Top Construction has demonstrated a commitment to meeting the Office of Economic Vitality’s goals regarding the inclusion of Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprises (MWSBE) in their business practices. This adherence to guidelines reflects a broader goal of promoting economic opportunities within the community.
The construction of the Griffin Heights Grocery Store not only represents an investment in the neighborhood’s infrastructural landscape but also aims to enhance the overall quality of life for its residents by improving access to fresh and healthy food options. This project is a pivotal step in addressing food access disparities and supporting community health initiatives in Tallahassee.
As the city commission prepares to finalize the decision on the construction contract, the focus remains on creating a valuable resource that meets the needs of the Griffin Heights community. The expected outcome is to see the grocery store become a thriving hub that not only provides essential goods but also fosters community engagement and connection.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
City of Tallahassee Approves Construction of Grocery Store
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports: City to Award Construction Contract for Griffin Heights Grocery Store
- Tallahassee.com: Enson Market – An Asian-Centric Store Coming to Tallahassee
- WTXL: New Convenience Store Opens in Southwest Tallahassee
- Wikipedia: Food Deserts
- Jacksonville.com: Aldi/Winn-Dixie Conversion in Florida
