The GARDEN

Where health grows

The GARDEN

Is an industrial Farm-Park for commercial food production, education, research, vendor demonstration sites and renewable energy.

The Center for Food Innovation is NOT building a single farm.  We are converting the Northeast Ohio Region into one of the largest year-round agriculture regions in the country – and the The GARDEN is the business, demonstration and education headquarters for this regional transformation. 

MIDWAY MALL: In 2024 we developed a transformational design for the Midway Mall in Lorain County (image above). However, we did not win the bid. And, the good news is multiple cities and economic development teams reached out for consideration.

MEDINA COUNTY: The Center for Food Innovation is working with business executives and economic development professionals in Medina County to develop a 135-acre site into the The GARDEN, where health grows.

FOOD PRODUCTION FACILITIES

  • 20-40 acre CEA greenhouse
  • Vertical and aquaponic farming systems
  • Cold storage facilities
  • Distribution infrastructure

TRAINING AND RESEARCH

  • CEA vendor demonstration sites
  • Hands-on Educational facilities
  • Research laboratories
  • Event spaces for industry networking

RENEWABLE ENERGY

  • Reduced operational costs
  • Self-generating energy systems
  • Aligned with regional energy transition
  • Regional energy expertise available

RETAIL AND RESIDENTIAL

  • Wellness center, fitness and other wellness support
  • Retail focused on “wellness” and including a local food market and restaurants
  • Mixed income residential offerings serving workers, seniors, vets and students 

The GARDEN, where health grows, is the signature destination that highlights and leverages the Northeast Ohio’s 14-county’s strength in agriculture and manufacturing and positions it as a national leader in the rapidly expanding Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and Biotech industry attracting new-age farmers, visitors; students, researchers and reporters by showcasing the various CEA farm methodologies; informing them about the circular building system employed to make it energy independent and waste neutral; and educating them in nutrition and healthy living.