North Bay Produce's New Corporate Headquarters Brings Nature Into the Office
North Bay Produce, an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative, completed its new corporate headquarters in Traverse City in September 2017.
The new 15,000-square-foot building, developed in partnership with Custer Inc., Cornerstone Architects and Hallmark Construction, offers a collaborative and inviting workspace that reflects the surrounding natural environment.
“North Bay Produce and our sister company, Cherry Central, shared the same office space for more than 20 years. As both companies grew, we began running out of space and decided it was time to build a new headquarters,” said Jon Wall, facilities and compliance manager at North Bay Produce. “Our favorite part of the new office is that regardless of where you’re seated, you have a view of the great outdoors. Custer, Cornerstone Architects and Hallmark Construction helped us bring our vision for an open office that also accommodates the needs of our workers to life.”
Tucked away in the woods, North Bay Produce’s new, two-story corporate headquarters was designed with nature in mind, with floor-to-ceiling windows and plenty of natural light. The building features a full gym, a large conference room, and a mother’s room to give new moms privacy.
Custer helped North Bay Produce develop the office layout and select furnishings, including chairs, standing height tables and height adjustable desktops. The conference room features a flipped table concept, so tables can be moved around to accommodate small or large meetings.
“We worked with North Bay Produce to create a very collaborative and flexible space,” said Beth Swanson, Lead Interior Designer at Custer. “North Bay Produce was looking for a clean look and didn’t want to take away from the building’s unique architecture and the surrounding environment. It was also important to keep the finishes and fabrics neutral because of the colors and natural light coming in from outdoors.”
John Dancer of Cornerstone Architects designed the building. Hallmark Construction was the general contractor. Custer provided furniture design, installation and project management. Furniture was provided by Steelcase.
The new office is located next to their old space at 1868 McRae Hill Road in Traverse City. North Bay Produce has 28 employees and is looking to fill additional positions. Learn more at northbayproduce.com.
Photo Credit: Cassandra Eldridge of Cassandra Photo
