Gotham Greens Branches Out in Pullman, Adds Spinach to New Greenhouse
New Facility Brings Company’s Total Square Footage to 230,000
Gotham Greens, a New York-based indoor farming company, has expanded its presence in Pullman, adding a new greenhouse to its existing facilities.
Sustainable Growing Methods
The 55,000-square-foot addition features newer technology and brings the company’s Pullman greenhouses to a total of 230,000 square feet across two sites. Gotham Greens uses proprietary technology to increase yields and said it uses 90% less water and 97% less land than conventional farming. Plants receive a constant stream of recycled irrigation water through their roots.
Spinach Growth Challenges
Spinach is more difficult to grow than lettuce and basil because it’s more sensitive to diseases and takes longer to mature, said Jenn Frymark, chief greenhouse officer for Gotham Greens. However, consumers and commercial buyers are interested in greenhouse-grown spinach because of recent recalls of outdoor-farmed varieties.
New Facilities and Employment
Gotham Greens first opened on the roof of the Method’s factory at 720 E. 111th St. in 2015, after the natural soap maker reached out to the company about the opportunity. At the time, the 75,000-square-foot facility was the world’s largest rooftop greenhouse, according to Gotham. To meet demand that outstripped supply, Gotham in 2019 opened a second greenhouse nearby. The 100,000-square-foot facility at 10636 S. Woodlawn Ave. is on part of the former Ryerson Steel property.
The company has invested more than $20 million in its two greenhouses, which it said are Chicago’s largest urban agriculture campus. The facilities employ about 100 people, most of whom live on the South Side.
Economic Revitalization
Gotham’s expansion continues the economic revitalization of Pullman. The neighborhood was created in the 1880s as a company town to house workers who made luxury railroad cars at the factory of magnate George Pullman. But over the decades, the area fell into industrial decline by 2000.
Conclusion
Gotham Greens’ continued growth in Pullman not only provides fresh, sustainable produce to the community but also helps to revitalize the neighborhood. The company’s commitment to innovative, sustainable growing methods and local employment ensures a bright future for Gotham Greens and its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Gotham Greens’ farming method differ from conventional farming?
A: Gotham Greens uses proprietary technology to increase yields and said it uses 90% less water and 97% less land than conventional farming. Plants receive a constant stream of recycled irrigation water through their roots.
Q: Why is spinach more difficult to grow than lettuce and basil?
A: Spinach is more sensitive to diseases and takes longer to mature, making it more challenging to grow.
Q: What is Gotham Greens’ global presence?
A: Gotham Greens has greenhouses in nine states: New York, Illinois, Rhode Island, Maryland, Virginia, California, Colorado, Georgia, and Texas. Its products are available in more than 6,500 locations nationwide, including Kroger, Sprouts, Albertsons, The Fresh Market, FreshDirect, Publix, Amazon Fresh, and more.
