ARCO Beverage Group recently completed construction of a 267,787 SF beverage distributorship and corporate office for Great Bay Distributors in St. Petersburg, Florida.
The new facility features a 1.5-megawatt rooftop solar array, the largest privately owned system of its kind in the state of Florida. The $2.6 million system is projected to reduce the company’s electricity costs by up to 40% while eliminating approximately 43,610 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the next 25 to 30 years — the environmental equivalent of planting more than 1.1 million trees.
“Our leadership team felt strongly that this was the right investment for both our company and our community,” said Ron Petrini, President of Great Bay Distributors. “Since Florida is the Sunshine State, it only made sense to leverage that resource. With a facility of this scale, incorporating sustainable solutions was not only responsible but also a smart long-term decision.”
Serving as the company’s new headquarters, the distributorship includes a state-of-the-art hospitality suite, a sign shop, a maintenance facility, a truck wash, and a fuel island. The insulated tilt-up concrete structure also houses a 143,000 SF controlled environment warehouse with a 30-foot clear cross-dock area.
The result is a facility that reflects both Great Bay’s proud history and its forward-looking commitment to innovation and sustainability. ARCO is proud to have partnered with Great Bay to deliver this project from concept to completion.
ABOUT GREAT BAY DISTRIBUTORS, INC.
Founded in 1968 by Claude and Nina Focardi, Great Bay is now a 3rd generation independent family owned sales, marketing and distribution business. Great Bay prides itself on carrying only the best beer, wine, liquor and non-alcoholic products that consumers demand. The company’s dedication to providing quality beer, wine, spirits and non-alcoholic products with outstanding customer service has allowed Great Bay Distributors to become an industry and community leader. We now represent more than 800 brands from over 70 suppliers and service more than 3,500 licensed accounts.
ABOUT ARCO BEVERAGE GROUP
ARCO Beverage Group is the nation’s largest builder of beverage distributorships, having constructed or made modifications to more than 220 beverage distribution facilities nationwide. As the beer industry experts, ARCO understands the space utilization, product storage, rotation, temperature control requirements and many other factors that beverage facilities may require. From expertly designed draught coolers and conditioned warehouses to attractive and efficient office spaces, ARCO’s design-build process provides clients with the highest quality construction and the best value.
