Gotham Greens to open new greenhouse in Rhode Island

According to a press release, urban grower Gotham Greens is opening a new 110,000-square-foot facility in Providence, Rhode Island. The facility, according to Gotham Greens will produce 10 million heads of lettuce and leafy greens annually for customers in Providence and the greater New England region.

The greenhouse, located on the site of a former General Electric facility that has sat vacant for two decades, is set to open in fall 2019.

"We are thrilled to partner with the City of Providence and State of Rhode Island on this project," said Gotham Greens Co-Founder and CEO Viraj Pur, according to the release. "Providence is the perfect location for us, strategically located at the gateway to New England, the city has a rich legacy of manufacturing, world-class institutes of higher education, and a thriving local food culture. Geographically, New England is farthest from the West Coast, where the majority of leafy greens distributed across the U.S. today are grown. Once we're operational, Gotham Greens will be able to supply this region's supermarket retailers and foodservice operators with a consistent and reliable supply of fresh produce grown right here in New England year-round." 

Pur announced the new greenhouse alongside Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, Rhode Island Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor and other community leaders. An estimated 60 full-time jobs at the greenhouse and 100 construction jobs are expected to be created by the project, which will cost $12.5 million. The Rhode Island Commerce Corporation has committed up to $2.3 million in tax credits, payable over a 10-year period contingent on job created.