Designing for community impact is an ever-present mission of STA, so when an opportunity to collaborate with Evelyn Brito of Bodega Makeover was presented to us from the Boston Society of Architects, we happily accepted! Bodega Makeover is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help solve the food desert and unhealthy eating issues in lower income communities by promoting healthy food options through the transformation of community bodegas. Our project is the redesign of Vega Bros in Roxbury, Massachusetts.
BODEGA MAKEOVER’S MISSION
Understanding the context of the food desert issue and the importance of bodegas in the community was the key to the project design and process. Despite the healthy eating craze, with urban farms and rooftop farming being built in every city, bodegas are lagging behind, even though they are the heart of the community. Research shows that without access to healthy food, these communities suffer from higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Evelyn’s mission is to promote healthier options, and to tell the stories of Hispanic / Urban communities that have less access to healthy food, while simultaneously connecting families and communities. What makes this project so unique is that it is documented through a video series, similar to an “Extreme Home Makeover” model, allowing the transformation story to be shared with a wide audience.
THE DESIGN: COLLABORATING WITH THE VEGA FAMILY
From the start, and throughout the whole process, collaboration with Javier and Millie Vega were key. We visited the store, and talked about the challenges: the store was crowded, unwelcoming, and there was little opportunity to market healthy foods. Through observation, listening and inventorying product and shelving, we were able to evaluate product placement and make recommendations about consolidation and overall layout. We proposed lowering shelves, widening the aisles, as well as color and bi-lingual signage to makes the space more welcoming. Perhaps most importantly, our design located a large new produce section at the front of the store, visible from the front entry as well as from outside. The idea was to make healthy food the first impression. Exterior improvements included removal of a security grille, and replacement with a decorative grille that would still provide security, but feel more welcoming and consistent with the homes in the community.
CELEBRATING THE OUTCOME WITH THE COMMUNITY
Construction of the bodega renovations began in 2020. During Covid, the Vega family was committed to staying open to support their community during this challenging time. Construction schedules and funding also became a challenge, and the project was delayed and the design had to be somewhat modified. But the team persevered, and completed the project with the same overall design intent. We worked collaboratively to develop options for the highest priorities.
In September of 2020, the community celebrated the reopening of Vega Bros, with then Mayor Marty Walsh, Mayor Kim Janey, and supporters and most importantly, the community members!
STA ON SCREEN!
This was STA’s debut on the big (or small) screen! Thanks to the fabulous video production team Anawan Street productions, who made it easy for us!
Watch the entire episode here!
JUST THE BEGINNING
The transformation of Vega Bros is just the beginning – with the success of this pilot program, Evelyn is now taking Bodega Makeover nationwide. Stay tuned to see the Bodega Makeover continue to make a transformative impact on so many people. We thank Evelyn and Bodega Makeover for the opportunity to give back in such an impactful way, and are proud to have offered our services 100% pro bono for this important project!
