Confidential Cannabis Facility – Expanding Innovation & Production

Expanding Cannabis Production in Athol: A High-Security, High-Performance Facility

The cannabis industry has grown exponentially, requiring specialized construction approaches that blend security, compliance, and efficiency. In Athol, Massachusetts, Jewett Construction partnered with Ascend Wellness Holdings to expand their cannabis production capabilities. This ambitious project involved renovating an existing mill complex to accommodate large-scale cultivation, processing, and state-of-the-art extraction facilities. Spanning 172,999 square feet across multiple floors, this facility is designed to meet stringent industry regulations while maximizing operational efficiency.

Transforming a Historic Mill into a Modern Cannabis Facility

The project presented a unique challenge: converting a historic mill building—originally constructed for industrial purposes—into a cutting-edge cannabis production space. Many older mills are notorious for outdated ventilation, limited electrical infrastructure, and structural limitations. Jewett Construction meticulously planned each phase to address these challenges, ensuring the facility could support modern cannabis cultivation operations while maintaining the integrity of the existing structure.

The mill’s transformation required extensive upgrades, including reinforced structural supports, enhanced insulation for climate control, and new mechanical systems designed to meet the precise requirements of cannabis production. The project team also prioritized energy efficiency, integrating systems that reduce waste and minimize environmental impact.

Purpose-Built Cultivation and Processing Spaces

The facility features dedicated areas for different aspects of cannabis production, ensuring that each function operates within an optimized environment. The four floors of the building house specialized zones, including:

• First Floor: Administrative offices, staff break rooms, and locker areas to support employees.
• Second and Third Floors: High-tech cultivation rooms designed for optimal growing conditions, equipped with advanced lighting and irrigation systems.
• Fourth Floor: Extraction laboratories and processing areas, featuring turnkey mechanical and electrical systems that adhere to industry safety standards.

By segmenting operations in this way, Jewett Construction ensured smooth workflows, minimized cross-contamination risks, and allowed for streamlined production processes.

Security and Compliance: Meeting Stringent Regulations

The cannabis industry is one of the most highly regulated sectors, requiring strict adherence to state and federal compliance measures. Jewett Construction implemented advanced security measures, including:

• High-definition surveillance systems that provide 24/7 monitoring.
• Access control systems with restricted entry to sensitive areas.
• Secured storage areas for raw materials and finished products.
• Fire suppression and air filtration systems designed to protect both workers and products.

In addition to security, the facility was designed to meet Massachusetts’ cannabis cultivation regulations, which cover everything from air quality to waste disposal. Specialized air purification systems were installed to mitigate odor concerns and maintain compliance with local environmental regulations.

Optimizing the Grow Environment

One of the most critical aspects of cannabis cultivation is maintaining precise environmental conditions. The Athol facility incorporates:

• Automated climate control systems that regulate temperature and humidity.
• LED lighting solutions that enhance plant growth while reducing energy consumption.
• Automated irrigation systems that ensure consistent water distribution across grow rooms.
• Airflow management systems to prevent mold and mildew, common concerns in cultivation environments.

By leveraging cutting-edge technology, the facility maximizes crop yields while maintaining sustainable operations.

Innovative Extraction and Processing Spaces

In addition to cultivation, the facility includes a sophisticated extraction lab on the fourth floor. Cannabis extraction requires highly controlled conditions, making the design and construction of this space particularly complex. Key features include:

• Precision-controlled cleanrooms to ensure product purity.
• High-efficiency ventilation systems to manage volatile compounds safely.
• State-of-the-art processing equipment for oil extraction and refinement.

These specialized areas allow the company to produce a wide range of cannabis products, from concentrates to edibles, ensuring versatility in their product offerings.

Renovating for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Given the facility’s size and the energy-intensive nature of cannabis production, sustainability was a top priority. Jewett Construction integrated numerous eco-friendly features to reduce operational costs and environmental impact, including:

• Solar energy solutions to offset electricity usage.
• Energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the facility.
• Water recapture and recycling systems to minimize waste.
• Insulated walls and ceilings to improve climate control efficiency.

These upgrades not only align with industry sustainability goals but also contribute to long-term cost savings for the facility’s operators.

Challenges and Solutions in a Live Environment

One of the most complex aspects of this project was executing renovations while maintaining ongoing operations in portions of the facility. Cannabis production is a 24/7 operation, and shutting down for extended periods was not an option. Jewett Construction took a phased approach, carefully coordinating work schedules to minimize disruptions.

Key strategies included:

• Working in off-peak hours to reduce interruptions to active production areas.
• Installing temporary air filtration systems to maintain air quality during construction.
• Implementing strict dust control measures to protect plant health.
• Regular coordination with facility operators to adjust schedules as needed.

This collaborative approach allowed the renovation to progress efficiently while ensuring uninterrupted production.

Enhancing Worker Safety and Comfort

A well-designed facility prioritizes the health and safety of its employees. The Athol cannabis facility includes multiple worker-focused enhancements, such as:

• Dedicated break rooms with comfortable seating and amenities.
• Upgraded locker rooms to accommodate changing and personal storage needs.
• Enhanced lighting in work areas to reduce eye strain and improve visibility.
• Improved HVAC systems for optimal air circulation and worker comfort.

These improvements create a better working environment, contributing to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

Looking Ahead: Future Expansion Possibilities

While this renovation marks a significant milestone, the facility is designed with scalability in mind. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, the ability to expand and adapt is crucial. Jewett Construction ensured that infrastructure elements—such as electrical capacity, HVAC systems, and workflow design—were developed with future growth in mind.

Potential future expansions could include:

• Additional grow rooms to increase production capacity.
• More advanced extraction technologies for product diversification.
• Expanded distribution areas to meet rising demand.

By designing with flexibility, the facility remains poised for long-term success in a competitive market.

A Benchmark for Cannabis Facility Construction

The completion of this large-scale renovation solidifies Jewett Construction’s expertise in the cannabis industry. The seamless integration of security, compliance, efficiency, and sustainability makes this facility a benchmark for future projects. By transforming a historic mill into a modern cannabis cultivation and processing center, Jewett has demonstrated its ability to adapt innovative construction techniques to meet industry