4Roots Farm, an initiative by 4 Rivers founder John Rivers, that we covered HERE back in July 2018, is nearing the completion of its first phase of development in the under-construction Packing District just west of College Park.
Original plans that we shared in 2020 called for a 12,000 SF educational greenhouse led by Valencia College; a 35,000 SF hydroponic greenhouse using state-of-the-art growing technology from GrowPonics (Website) touted as the “first of its kind in the continental United States; and a 2,400 SF vertical greenhouse. Plans also included a new 5,000 SF banquet facility, and a 16,500 SF farm store and cafe showcasing a farm-to-table menu.
This week, 4Roots unveiled plans for the $28.1 million second phase of development which includes a 3/4-acre community greenspace with a stage, a 300-seat 7,500 SF events center, a 5,300 SF restaurant, and a 5,300 SF culinary health institute. The news came with the announcement that Dr. Phillips Charities, the organization behind the Packing District development, had issued the farm a grant of $5 million.
“We are extremely grateful to Dr. Phillips for their continued support.This generous gift kicks off our fundraising efforts for the new phase and brings us one step closer to realizing our vision of strengthening our local food system to create healthier people and ecology and greater equity and access for all in our community.”
– JOHN RIVERS, PRESIDENT AND CEO, 4ROOTS
The first phase of the campus included classrooms, cultivation areas, and a teaching greenhouse that is scheduled to be completed in early 2024.
“The second phase of the Farm Campus shifts the focus from education to the community,” added Rivers. “It is designed to create a place to gather where guests, from children to grandparents, will “wander in wonder” learning about the beauty and importance of nature and the important role it plays in both planet and human health,” he continued. “It provides spaces for our community to come together to learn, listen, and celebrate.”
Click HERE for more information on The 4Roots Farm Campus.
