Turning a Vision into Reality
urban-gro teamed up with the project owner to bring his bold idea to life—a one-of-a-kind dispensary and lounge paired with a fully integrated cannabis facility in Boston. In 2019, the project became the first cultivation site approved within city limits. Spanning 44,000 square feet, the facility combines cultivation, processing, manufacturing, operations, and retail in one seamless design. From day one, the project focused on both efficiency and community value.
Designed for People and Community
Importantly, this facility does more than produce cannabis. On the rooftop, a greenhouse will grow fresh vegetables for nearby low-income neighborhoods, supporting better food access and community wellness. Right next to it, a rooftop lounge offers a relaxing space with beautiful views of downtown Boston. These features go beyond industry standards and bring social value to the neighborhood.
Creative Structure with Local Character
The building uses steel framing along with ribbed and smooth insulated metal panels. To reflect Boston’s bold energy, the smooth panels will feature custom-painted street art. As a result, the exterior becomes both functional and expressive—blending modern construction with cultural identity.
Efficient Use of a Compact Site
Because the site is bordered by roads on three sides, the team designed every detail for maximum use. Parking is located beneath the building to save space. Meanwhile, the first floor houses essential functions like offices, shipping, fertigation, extraction, a MIPs kitchen, lab, trim, and dry rooms.
Above, the second floor is dedicated to full cultivation. It includes mother, veg, and eight flower rooms on an eight-week cycle. Plants grow on dual-tier mobile benches using drip irrigation in rockwool, under high-efficiency LED lights.
Setting a New Urban Standard
In the end, this forward-thinking dispensary and lounge facility sets a new bar for urban cannabis development. It blends smart design, local character, and meaningful community impact.