KLH Engineers, Pfeiffer Architecture Gives Freestore Foodbank a Facelift
When Christopher Pfeiffer, principal of Pfeiffer Architecture and Development, approached Jeremy Toy, principal and director of the Retail Studio at KLH Engineers (KLH), about a pro-bono project for the Freestore Foodbank, Toy immediately knew he wanted to help. The local nonprofit is one of Ohio’s largest food banks and distributes 27 million meals annually to low-income individuals and families in Greater Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana.
The Freestore Foodbank sought assistance to improve the shopping experience at its food room, which is a choice pantry located in the Customer Connection Center at 112 East Liberty Street in Cincinnati, Ohio. Situated in the basement of the building, the food room lacked a welcoming atmosphere for customers and had numerous challenges including customer flow, low ceiling heights, lighting and security.
“We worked with Pfeiffer Architecture and Development and KLH to look at our floor plan and design because they are the experts in grocery design,” says Kurt Reiber, president and CEO of the Freestore Foodbank.
Due to the physical restrictions of the basement, the design team had to look for creative ways to enhance the existing space and create a more friendly environment. The renovation included an improved floor plan as well as new signage, paint and flooring. KLH donated the plumbing, power and lighting design services through its Keep Lending a Hand Community Fund, which is dedicated to providing support to charitable organizations.
“The greatest limiting factor of this project was the existing ceiling height and the conduit piping obstructions that ran throughout food room. In particular, it was difficult to coordinate track lighting heights and locations with these obstructions,” says Toy.
Reiber says that the renovation will make a great impact on the shopping experience for Freestore Foodbank’s clients.
“It was wonderful to work with Pfeiffer Architecture & Development and KLH … They allowed us to look at different examples on how to make our experience for our customers more impactful and rewarding. In addition to that, it gives our customers the dignity and respect they deserve when they come into a warm and inviting environment,” says Reiber.
Watch the video below to see the transformation.
About Keep Lending a Hand:
Created in 2016, Keep Lending a Hand is KLH Engineers’ community service program dedicated to supporting its employees in their charitable work and improving the regions where its employees live, work and play. The mission of the program is to donate time, expertise and financial resources to qualifying community and charitable organizations who help people in need.
About KLH:
KLH Engineers is nationally ranked among the top mechanical, electrical, plumbing and technology engineering firms. As a leader in the AEC industry, KLH leverages BIM and advanced in-house technology to deliver innovative and value-driven solutions. KLH is licensed in all 50 states and serves the civic, commercial, education, healthcare and retail markets. Offices are located in Ft. Thomas, Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky; Columbus, Ohio; and New York City, New York.