Project of the Month: Vantage Builders completes build-out for Zahara Cannabis at 70 Frank Mossberg Dr., Attleboro, MA

Attleboro, MA Vantage Builders, Inc., a commercial contractor specializing in pre-construction, construction management and design-build services, has completed the build-out of a high-end cannabis dispensary for Zahara Cannabis, located at 70 Frank Mossberg Dr.

Zahara means “most exquisite flower” and the design of the dispensary reflects the name. The dispensary, Zahara’s first retail location, opened on June 13^th. Zahara’s customers are able to purchase a wide range of cannabis products, including flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, topicals, tinctures and concentrates. Zahara’s knowledgeable budtenders work closely with each customer to ensure they receive the products best suited for their needs and preferences.

“We are excited that our store is open and serving customers who are passionate and discerning about their cannabis products,” said Michael Kochekian, general manager, Zahara Cannabis. “We already feel a strong connection to the Attleboro community and are committed to making a positive impact in the area. We greatly appreciate Vantage Builders’ expertise in helping to get us up and selling on time and within budget.”

Vantage Builders followed plans by 2WR + Partners architects on the 6,000 s/f project. Zahara’s dispensary features a reception area, product displays, a sorting/fulfillment room, point of sales areas, several offices and storage space. The Vantage team completely transformed the former warehouse facility into a high-end retail location.

The dispensary has a very open atmosphere, intentionally designed to make all customers, regardless of their level of experience with cannabis, feel welcome and relaxed. Zahara’s colorful branding is displayed throughout. Striking decorative elements on the walls include a honeycombed section of blue millwork panels from Ekena and another section of vertical wooden slats. Couches are available for customers to relax or have a conversation with their budtender.

Particularly eye-catching is the flooring in the retail area. The epoxy floor features a blend of mesmerizing colors reminiscent of billowing clouds or perhaps swirling smoke. The retail area is brightly lit by a mix of track lighting and fixtures. Additionally, Vantage cut in new windows on both the front and side of the building to allow for plentiful natural light.

The product display areas feature custom millwork that showcase Zahara’s full range of offerings. Product menus and information are displayed on large monitors. Five point of sales areas, featuring intricate millwork, ensure that customers are quickly and efficiently served, without feeling hurried.

A new, efficient HVAC system was installed, to ensure the proper environment for both customers and products, and a new fire line was brought in from the street, requiring significant ledge-blasting work. The “back of house” area includes three offices, a staff break room and a conference room for internal meetings. Exterior work included a new canopy featuring Zahara’s branding, window planters and an ADA-compliant entrance.

Zahara is in the design and planning stages of the construction of a state-of-the-art cannabis cultivation facility and plans to open two additional dispensaries.

“We have now worked on more than 40 dispensary projects, in Massachusetts, Florida and New Hampshire,” said Ed Silva, principal at Vantage Builders. “Our goal in each one is to ensure that the build reflects the philosophy of the cannabis company, through design elements, branding and the building itself. We’ve done that with Zahara, by creating a very welcoming and open environment.”

The project team:

• Vantage Builders - Construction Manager
• Zahara Cannabis - Owner
• SW Electrical Contractors - Electrical
• NorthStar Construction Services Corp. - Roofing
• Meridian Associates - Civil Site Engineer and Surveyor
• Form-Up Foundations LLC - Site work & Foundations
• New England Sealcoating - Sealcoating | Line Striping | Crack Filling

The project team included 2WR + Partners, BLW Engineers, and Bella Construction.