Charlotte & Edward Unnewehr Findlay Kitchen

A kitchen incubator where diversity and opportunity blends for success

Client

The Corporation of Findlay Market
3CDC

Value

$1.7M

Role

General Contractor

Location

Cincinnati, Ohio

Partner

MSA Design

This 8,000 SF renovation of an existing building into a kitchen accelerator/incubator and culinary arts facility provides a community resource that helps grow businesses. Located a block from Findlay Market, the former single story commercial garage, was converted into a new shared-use space titled “The Charlotte and Edward Unnewehr Kitchen.” The new space provides areas for food startups to perfect their recipes with dedicated “pod” kitchens that act as prep kitchens, commissaries or production kitchens for established businesses.

This quality culinary facility features four (4) pod kitchens, three (3) kitchen rooms, a bakery, walk-in cooler/freezer, dry storage, dishwashing area, break rooms, offices, conference center and restrooms. The new “cottage kitchens” provide affordable, rent-by-the-hour access to commercial grade equipment and storage space within a licensed kitchen facility, for local food entrepreneurs to create their products and bring them to the market. 

 

 



As general contractor, Megen ensured the budget, schedule and quality of the project were met, using quality subcontractors to complete the project. Schedule was crucial on this project, as the Corporation for Findlay Market (CFM) was confirming tenants for the kitchen space and needed to give a firm completion. CFM distinguishes themselves from other incubators by maintaining diversity while fostering innovation. We delivered a first-class facility to the owner on schedule, while utilizing 30% minority partners and subcontractors in the construction process. Today, the facility supports more than 80 food businesses, of which 80% are women, immigrant or minority owned.

8,000

Square Feet

30%

Project Diversity

Adaptive reuse of commercial garage into kitchen incubator and culinary arts facility