Greater Chicago Food Depository

Opus was the design/builder for this build-to-suit office and warehouse facility located on an 11-acre site at the corner of 42nd Place and Karlov Avenue in the City of Chicago.

The mixed-use project combines food preparation, distribution, training and administrative functions. The building use is primarily dry grocery storage with refrigerated storage, including food processing and recovery areas, an educational kitchen, and a two-story office area.

The exterior is constructed of architectural precast concrete with a clear anodized aluminum framed green-tinted window system. Parking is provided for 127 automobiles with nine loading docks.

The warehouse area is 151,000 square feet with a 30 clear ceiling height. The remaining office area is 99,000 square feet with 28,100 square feet of freezer/cooler storage.

This facility is a showcase for other food distribution facilities across the U.S. and also integrate the new Pantry University & Community Kitchen training center.

Founded in 1979, the not-for-profit Greater Chicago Food Depository operates a food distribution center working to feed the hungry in Cook County. The group, one of the largest food banks in the country, distributed 36.1 million lbs. of food valued at $54 million in 2001. This is roughly the equivalent of 74,400 meals a day, 365 days a year.