Build
A three story vertical greenhouse in the heart of the Town of Jackson.
A three story vertical greenhouse in the heart of the Town of Jackson.
Inclusive employment opportunities for our citizens with disabilities.
Premium grade vegetables and fruit in Jackson all year round.
An economically self sufficient business that will serve our community for many years to come.
What makes Vertical Harvest so utterly unique is that it is able to speak to a vital community need via innovation at every level. Vertical Harvest will be the first project in Wyoming completely dedicated to serving our citizens with disabilities, providing a range of meaningful jobs for this population who at present have very limited work opportunities. In order to maximize the amount of jobs we are able to produce on a small site, we are going up, creating one of the country’s first vertical greenhouses.
In addition to creating unique life-long opportunities for an underserved population, Vertical Harvest will grow local produce for our community, extending its four month growing season to year round. Because hydroponic farming requires less water and less land than traditional field farming, researchers-turned-growers in some U.S. cities see it as ideal to bring agriculture to apartment buildings, rooftops and vacant lots. Vertical Harvest will add community value, efficiency and beauty to a small urban space.
With your help, we can move forward with this project that embodies innovation on many levels, and Vertical Harvest can serve as a model of what communities can achieve in small spaces.
Where is Vertical Harvest located and how big is it?
Vertical Harvest will be sited on a small Town owned plot of land measuring only 30’ by 150’. This land is located on the south side of the downtown Jackson parking structure on the corner of Millward and Simpson Streets. We have been granted a Memo of Understanding from the Town to lease this land for a cost of $1 per year. The greenhouse will have a ground floor that will be open to the public and two ‘growing’ floors above. In total, by going ‘vertical’, the greenhouse will increase it’s 4,500 sqft footprint to have 13,500 sqft. dedicated to providing fresh, locally grown produce to our town.
What will be grown in Vertical Harvest, how will it be grown, and where will it be sold?
Vertical Harvest will dedicate its top floor to growing tomatoes, this means Jackson will have access to fresh tomatoes even in the middle of winter. We will also grow strawberries, a variety of lettuces and herbs, as well as some specialty microgreens. In April and May, we will even grow starts for your summer gardens!Vertical Harvest has hired an incredible engineer to help us grow our produce in the most effecient, productive way possible.
With the help of our greenhouse engineer have designed hydroponic systems crafted especially for our unique employees. These water based growing systems will grow our produce using less water and energy than if we were to use soil. Most importantly, hydroponic systems will also increase the amount of produce that we are able to grow in our greenhouse by allowing us to incorporate innovative vertical systems that use light more effeciently than possible in normal soil based greenhouses.
Vertical Harvest will have a small retail store on site that will be open 365 days a year. We will also have our produce available for purchase at local retailers. Finally, we will be providing produce to many local restaurants in town, who have already committed to purchasing Vertical Harvest produce when it is ready.
Why is Vertical Harvest a L3C and not a 501c3?
While Vertical Harvest was previously a program of Slow Food in the Tetons which is a 501c3, it has recently withdrawn from that organization and is now established as a L3C. An L3C is a new type of limited liability company that is set up primarily to further a charitable or social purpose. In essence it is a ‘hybrid’ entity that is considered to be a ‘for profit with a nonprofit soul’. The main purpose of Vertical Harvest is to employ and train citizens with disabilities to staff and operate the greenhouse. At the same time, Vertical Harvest of Jackson Hole will be a model that will be shared and replicated in other places.This issue of scalability outlines the importance of creating a self sustaining business that can be easily operated.Once this first flagship project is completed, proceeds from the existing business can be used to repeat the process in other communities with similar needs.
To learn more about our L3C please click here.
Vertical Harvest has raised approximately $100,000 through grants, private donations and fundraisers. This money has gone to pay our greenhouse engineer, architect and other consultants that has allowed us to come up with preliminary design of the structure and growing systems as well as a comprehensive business plan.
Vertical Harvest is ready to apply to the Wyoming Business Council for a Business Ready Grant which will commit up to $1.5M for construction funding. Before we can submit our application we need your help by raising the required start-up capital and costs that covers six months of operation totaling $214,000. In order to raise these funds we are offering Vertical Harvest pledge memberships that will honor your commitment to Vertical Harvest and include you as part of this unique project.
VH Starters: $100 pledge membership: 250 memberships
-Benefits: – recognized on rotating ‘living wall’ in lobby of Vertical Harvest
-invitation to ‘First Harvest’ opening party for Vertical Harvest
VH Community: $500 pledge membership : 100 memberships
-Benefits: – receive Vertical Harvest tee shirt
- recognized on website and VH brochure as Community supporter of VH
- recognized on 8” x 12” floor tile in retail space of VH
- receive ‘first harvest’ basket of vegetables 1 time per year
- invitation to ‘First Harvest’ opening party for Vertical Harvest
VH Cultivators: $1000 pledge membership : 100 memberships
-Benefits: – receive Vertical Harvest tee shirt
- recognized on website and VH brochure as cultivator of VH
- recognized on 12” x 16” floor tile in retail space of VH
- receive ‘first harvest’ basket of vegetables 2 times per year
- invitation to ‘First Harvest’ opening party for Vertical Harvest
VH Pollinators: $5000 pledge membership : 6 memberships
-Benefits: – receive Vertical Harvest tee shirt
- recognized on website and VH brochure as pollinator of VH
- recognized on 12” x 24” floor tile in lobby space of VH
- receive 10% discount at VH market
- receive ‘first harvest’ basket of vegetables 3 times per year
- invitation to ‘First Harvest’ opening party for Vertical Harvest
- granted access to Vertical Harvest all year long
VH Gardners: $10,000 pledge membership : 6 memberships
-Benefits:-Receive VH T-Shirt
-Recognized on website and VH brochure as a ‘Pollinator’ supporter of VH
-Recognized on 12″ x 24″ floor tile in VH
-Receive ‘First Harvest’ basket of vegetable 6 times/year
-Receive 10% discount at VH market for 1 year
-Invitation to ‘First Harvest’ opening party for Vertical Harvest and invitations to exclusive events within the greenhouse
VH Builders: $25,000 pledge membership : 4 memberships
-Floor naming opportunities exist at this level, please contact us for more information
* These memberships are pledges only. If Vertical Harvest receives its funding by June 2013 all pledges will be collected and put towards the Start up funds. If Vertical Harvest has not received funding by this time, none of the pledges will be collected.
Click here to fill out our pledge membership form.
PENNY McBRIDE OF RE:UTILIZATION Penny McBride specializes in systems organization and strategic planning for environmentally based projects. Past and present projects include LEED for Homes rating, residential energy modeling, commercial green building consulting, organic waste diversion, feasibility studies, and program implementation. Penny holds a Master’s in Environment and Community from Antioch University with an emphasis on collaboration and systemic program planning.
E/Ye DESIGN is an architecture firm co-founded by project architect and partner Nona Yehia and Jefferson Ellinger. With offices in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and New York City, E/Ye design has built projects throughout North America and has won several international competitions. Each project undertaken is treated as a part of the firm’s continuous exploration of the links between architecture, landscape, and technology.www.eye-des.com
We have an incredible team with a range of qualifications working on behalf of Vertical Harvest.
MEDIA RELATIONS: Alli Noland, Terra Public Relations; Niall Bouzon, Digital Marketing Manager of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
RESTAURANT LIASON: Wes Hamilton, Executive Chef of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
MARKET DEVELOPMENT: Steven Michel, Manager Aspens Market
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Don Baker; Arik Griffin, Operations Director of Cirumerro Publishing; Allison Broadie
EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY TEAM: Anna Olson, Brand Director of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort; Caroline Croft, Sally Yocum
Will act as the project coordinator for Vertical Harvest. It’s founder, Penny McBride, specializes in systems organization and strategic planning for environmentally based projects. Past and present projects include LEED for Homes rating, residential energy modeling, commercial green building consulting, organic waste diversion feasibility studies and program implementation. Ms. McBride holds a Master’s in Environment and Community from Antioch University. This program emphasized collaboration and systemic program planning.
Is an architecture firm with offices in Jackson and New York. They have built projects throughout North America and have won several international competitions. Each project undertaken is treated as a part of a continuous exploration, investigating links between architecture, landscape and technology. The firm partners are local architect Nona Yehia and Jefferson Ellinger, who is a Professor of Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic University.
Larssen Ltd. is a company of professional engineers specializing in technical consulting for the greenhouse industry. With 19 years experience in constructing nurseries worldwide, they are both capable and qualified to engineer all aspects of our greenhouse. They have extensive experience in building greenhouses for extreme climates such as Siberia, and we believe they are a perfect fit to our project team. In addition to understanding how the greenhouse operates as a whole, they will also be able to consult on developing growing systems that are custom designed for our unique employee model.
Aims to protect the pleasures of the table from the homogenization of modern fast food and our fast life. Slow Food in the Tetons is the sponsoring agent for the Vertical Greenhouse project.
Becoming a member of the Vertical Harvest community will not only help us with our Business Council application process,but will give you access to a project that will provide you with fresh produce that has retained all of the essential vitamins and minerals that normal produce loses as it goes through the process of being shipped to Jackson. Please join today. Thank you to those that have given already!
Vertical Harvest is very pleased to announce the partnership of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and 1% for the Planet. JHMR has graciously chosen Vertical Harvest to be the beneficiary of the proceeds earned through this partnership. Please visit JHMR this summer, take the free gondola ride up and dine at The Couloir or The Deck this summer to support this amazing initiative! The Deck happy hour from 4:30 – 6:30 with 2 for 1 margaritas, mojitos, draft beers and wine by the glass is the perfect spot to unwind after an adventurous day! Read more about the new partnership below!
THL, Inc is a locally owned and operated company that has been making a name for itself for quite some time in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. We specialize in projects of all sizes from the design and installation of stone patios to large-scale commercial landscaping. We offer tree moving and replanting and boast three sizes of tree spades to get any job done efficiently. Our team of experts continues to grow but one thing stays the constant – our dedication to our clientele.
Over the past nine years, Terra Firma has consistently demonstrated the will and experience necessary to achieve excellence in various endeavors. We maintain our success is a result of solving real-world problems for clients. Providing rationale behind every critical decision has gained the confidence of private, public and political clients. From landscaping to organics, our dedication and unique approach to business provide excellent service and the best products.
There’s something peaceful and inspiring blooming on Teton Village Road. The Jackson Hole Flower Company offers a contemporary fresh approach to floral & garden design. Our custom arrangements reflect our clients individualized style designed exclusively for their special occasions. We use local organic products when available, and focus on eco-friendly plant selections for the home, succulents and Orchids being our favorite…
The shop is a place for Artists to hang their paintings and filled with treasures from around the world.
Our successful Wedding & garden design business has become a favorite among both locals and out of town brides. In June, you will likely find garden designers Sue Bullock tucking Scabiosas, Cosmos, and fragrant herbs into containers. Our containers are living works of Art.
The Harmonic Spa is a holistic day spa featuring Therapeutic Massage and Acutonics® Sound and Vibrational Therapy and by Nancy Alfs, MA.
Find us in the cozy white house at 155 West Pearl Street in Jackson, Wyoming located next door to Pearl Street Bagels and one block from the Milward Free Parking facility.
Headquartered in Billings Montana, First Interstate has evolved since 1968 from a singlebank in Sheridan, Wyoming to operating over 50 branches.
A supermarket that offers organic and conventional groceries. Features special foods sections, recipes, events, a glossary, store specials, and news and events.
A company that has been in the business of making timepieces for over 50 years. Our strength as a company comes from our employees who collectively have invaluable knowledge, technical expertise, experience and a real passion for the traditions of watch making. But that doesnt mean we dont have a bunch of ambitious, freethinking, rebel employees with an entrepreneurial spirit who are committed to looking ahead to a greener future for our company and our planet. Asking the simple question, How can we make a greener watch? they looked for an answer. After countless hours of research and development and a lot of lunches eaten over their keyboards, two years later Sprout was born.
Fine Dining Restaurant Group consists of a diverse mix of restaurants with something to satisfy every craving. Rendezvous Bistro is a classic American Bistro with entrees ranging from Duck Confit to Veal Marsala. Q Roadhouse serves up tasty and fresh comfort foods, live music and two happy hours every night. The Menu at Il Villaggio Osteria features contemporary Italian cuisine in a rustic slopeside atmosphere in Teton Village. And Bistro Catering will exceed your expectations catering to any event, whether for 2 or 200.
1% for the Tetons funds efforts furthering the long-term sustainability of the Tetons region’s extraordinary natural resources and related essential qualities. Member businesses donate one percent of their sales to 1% for the Tetons. These donations are aggregated and granted to fund projects supporting the long-term sustainability of the Tetons region.
Penny McBride - Project Administrator
307 413 6797
verticalharvest@verticalharvest.org
Vertical Harvest
PO Box 7290
Jackson, WY 83002