NYS Dispensaries are Open and Operating! Dive into the Designs
Photo by Gabriele Holtermann
2023 was an incredibly busy year for Anderson Porter Design in the New York cannabis market! APD was the selected architect for 2 of 10 design-build teams to support the New York Social Equity Investment Fund (The Fund) efforts in conjunction with DASNY. The teams were established to develop approximately 150 turn-key sites across New York State for entrepreneurs who have received a Conditional Adult Use Retail Dispensary License (CAURD) through the New York State Office of Cannabis Management.
In the year 2023, we assisted CAURD applicants with 9 site locations, projects vary in status from in progress to complete. In retail it is apparent that your store can set you apart from your competition, this is especially true in the cannabis industry. It was imperative for us to get to know the applicants and understand their brand. Each design is unique and tailored to the license holder/operator while still being compliant. We are thrilled to announce that three of the stores are operational!
The first store to become operational was Good Grades, located in Jamaica Queens. The brand puts a significant emphasis on cannabis education. The applicant wanted a space that is sophisticated but also inviting, focusing on an educational experience. Aligning with the name Good Grades, they have introduced a unique way of presenting product offerings in the form of report cards, ensuring only top-tier, grade 5A products line their shelves—an A+ in academic terms. Behind the POS, bookshelves and other educational memorabilia adorn the walls, creating the perfect backdrop for budtenders to educate customers not only in the store but also via social media segments. For more information about the store's grand opening, check out this recent article here.
Next up is FireHaus located in Potsdam, NY. The dispensary is a stone's throw away from a number of state parks that are host to numerous wilderness watch towers. The owner’s fond memories exploring the local area inspired an aesthetic that harkens back to days on the trail and warm nights by the fire. Check out this article for more information about the store opening! Check out the Firehaus project page here.
The most recent dispensary to open is 420 Bliss, located in Troy, New York. The brand focuses on providing its customers with a top-shelf experience that mirrors their top-shelf product offerings. Our design intent was to create a sleek and modern space that focused on elevating the customer’s retail experience. For more information about the store's grand opening, check out this recent article here. To see the full design check out our 420 Bliss portfolio page here.
The fourth dispensary we completed is not yet operational. We look forward to celebrating the grand opening when the time comes. Stay tuned!
We wish these businesses the best as they embark on their journey to success. It was an absolute pleasure tackling the unique design challenges and addressing the specific needs of each project. Contributing to the growth and success of the emerging New York cannabis market has been deeply rewarding. It has been an honor to be a part of the push to provide spaces for social equity applicants at the forefront of legal cannabis sales in the state of New York. We look forward to seeing the new market flourish. For further details on the Adult-Use dispensaries set to open explore the latest announcement from Governor Hochul here.
Note: In the state of New York Anderson Porter Design does business as Anderson Architecture Studio, PC.
