ROCKLAND — The Good Tern Natural Foods Co-op in Rockland aims to expand its 750 Main Street operation, and has selected Scott Simons Architects, of Portland to help develop the project design.

In 2018, the Good Tern purchased the next-door property and the building, which currently houses Hole in the Wall Bagel Shop, with intentions to improve co-op parking and grow the business.

“We had a difficult decision to make among potential architects,” said co-op board member and Building Expansion Chairman John Lichtman, in a Nov. 30 news release. “We chose the Scott Simon group because of
their commitment to community involvement during the design process; their prolific use of mass timbers and local materials; their experience and expertise with food preparation and service facilities; and their commitment to helping us be great stewards of our space by designing a zero energy input building.”

The Good Tern Co-op was established in Rockland’s South End in 1980 and moved to its current location, at 750 North Main Street, in 2003.

“Since that move the co-op has experienced an increased demand for local produce, meats, beer, wine, and prepared deli foods,” the release said.

With two conjoined properties to work with, the board approached a number of Maine architects with requests for qualifications regarding the best use of the properties toward the goal of an expanded co-op operation.

“An expanded Good Tern Food Co-op will allow us to offer a broader range of products and prepared foods, lower prices, and create a larger market for our local farmers, fishing industry, and producers,” said Jess Mazur, co-op board president. “We look forward to being able to offer more opportunities for staff and more jobs overall. We believe an expanded co-op will be a welcome and needed addition to the Rockland and Midcoast area.”

The board plans to solicit input from the co-op’s extended community during this phase of the project.