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 CONCORD – The Friendly Kitchen this week will submit the proposed design for its new home to the Concord Planning Board. A hearing on the design is expected in January.
Jonathan Halle of Warren Street Architects in Concord designed the building.
“This is a functional building that will let us meet the needs of our guests now and into the future,” said Phil Wallingford, president of the Friendly Kitchen’s board of directors.
The proposed building would be about 5800 square feet, similar to the original proposal for rebuilding the Kitchen on Montgomery Street. The proposed Kitchen will be able to feed 120 people, and will provide both indoor and outdoor seating. It will be completely accessible for people with disabilities.
The one-floor building will feature an up-to-date commercial kitchen, making it easier for volunteers to prepare meals and clean up afterward. It will also have ample storage area for donated foods.
It will also offer free onsite parking in a well-lit landscaped area. The Kitchen also continues to work with City officials to ensure bus access to the site.
Friendly Kitchen officials hope to break ground on the new building in early spring.
“Since the fire last April, we have not missed serving a single meal. That is thanks to the dedication of our volunteer groups, our coordinators and our staff,” Wallingford said. “We want to extend to them our deepest thanks.”
Since the fire, the community has donated more than $320,000 to help rebuild the Friendly Kitchen – including a $100,000 grant from The Lincoln Financial Foundation. Once estimates of the full cost of rebuilding are completed, the Friendly Kitchen will launch a capital campaign to close the gap.
“We want to once again thank the community for their support,” Wallingford said.
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