This partnership marks a major step forward for the future grocery co-op at 1210 Sheffield Ave., Aliquippa, PA, and will help shape the building through community visioning in 2026.
ALIQUIPPA, Pa. — The Aliquippa Food Co-op (AFC) has selected Pittsburgh-based POH+W Architects to provide architectural services for the future community-owned grocery store planned for 1210 Sheffield Avenue in Aliquippa. The partnership represents a significant step forward in AFC’s work to bring a full-service grocery store and community hub to the city.
POH+W will work with AFC to envision how the existing property can become a welcoming, functional grocery store designed around the needs and priorities of the Aliquippa community. The store will be in the same building that once housed A&P Supermarket.
“Building the Aliquippa Food Co-op is about bringing a grocery store back and creating a community resource. We’re building a place that expands access to healthy food, supports local businesses, creates economic opportunity, and brings people together. By transforming a long-vacant property through thoughtful adaptive reuse, we can create new energy and activity while investing in Aliquippa’s future.”
Ty Patillo, president of the aliquippa food co-op
Loren C. Wright, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, senior vice president and Pittsburgh managing director of POH+W Architects, will lead the architectural work. Wright brings more than 25 years of architectural experience and oversees POH+W’s Pittsburgh office, guiding projects from early concepts through construction.
“POH+W is honored to partner with the Aliquippa Food Co-op to design a community-owned market that will be shaped by the people it serves. The existing building has a longstanding history of serving Aliquippa residents, and we are thrilled to help carry that history forward. Our team looks forward to working with the residents and discovering their wishes for their community market.”
Loren C. Wright, AIA, Senior Vice President, POH+W Architects
Additionally, AFC has partnered with Triad Engineering’s Matthew Smith for civil engineering services.
The architectural process will include community visioning meetings this upcoming winter, giving residents and other community stakeholders an opportunity to help shape the future store. AFC’s vision is for the future store to serve as a community hub where residents can access fresh, healthy food while supporting local businesses, farmers, and economic development.
This partnership has grown from a multi-year initiative. The co-op received a $150,000 Healthy Food Financing Initiative planning grant in 2024 to advance cooperative development and implementation planning. The co-op now has 40+ member-owners and continues to develop the project with support from community partners and an active board.
Connect with the Aliquippa Food Co-op at their Community Meeting on October 8 at the Quippian Club (2205 Sheffield Road) or at their virtual information event on November 5. Register at mobilize.us/movementlabs/event/1044748/.
About the Aliquippa Food Co-op
The Aliquippa Food Co-op exists to engage residents of Aliquippa and throughout Beaver County in creating a healthier environment and stronger community. The co-op will create a community-owned grocery store that is open to all, provide an accessible option for healthy foods in the community, support and grow local businesses, and serve as a vibrant community hub that creates job opportunities. Learn more at AliquippaFoodCoop.com.
MEDIA CONTACT: Ty Patillo, aliqfoodcoop@gmail.com
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