Miami-based Dominion Builders has completed a $10 million state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse in Rochelle, Illinois. The facility, known as BrightFarms Chicagoland Greenhouse, was constructed for BrightFarms, Inc.
The 177,441-square-foot hydroponic farm, which is approximately 80 miles west of Chicago, will grow more than one million pounds of fresh salad greens, herbs and tomatoes per year exclusively for Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc. (Roundy’s), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Kroger Co.
“We are very proud that BrightFarms entrusted our firm to be part of this cutting edge project,” Mark Gemignani, president of Dominion Builders, said. “This is our second time working for BrightFarms. We are thrilled to deliver these projects, which are revolutionizing the produce supply chain and reducing the carbon footprint of agriculture by growing locally and getting produce to market faster and fresher.”
In order to maintain fast track schedule, Dominion managed the construction of the project through subzero temperatures in the span of eight months.
The project was completed with extensive coordination of an international team of professionals and specialists from the United States, Canada and the Netherlands.
The greenhouse will use 80 percent less water, and 90 percent less land and shipping fuel compared to traditional farming.
