Stellar Completes Renovation of Crown Bakeries Facility in Georgia

Stellar has completed its design-build renovation for Crown Bakeries in Smyrna, Georgia. The nearly $5 million project expanded manufacturing floorspace at the processing facility, tripled the research and development center by adding an innovation lab, and expanded employee welfare, offices and café facilities.

After acquiring Crown Bakeries and the Smyrna facility, private equity firm Arbor Investments engaged Stellar to update the 200,000-square-foot building. By January 2022, demolition and construction on the 50-year-old spec building began.

A major expansion with minimal interruption

It was crucial for the Crown Bakeries facility to remain operational throughout the renovation. To minimize disruptions and ensure food safety, Stellar constructed temporary barriers and maintained separate airflow pressures to contain dust and debris from the construction. Crews also built contained corridors to accommodate forklift and other equipment traffic safely.

Among the improvements, the Stellar team condensed interstitial space and raised the existing drop ceilings from 9 feet to 15 feet, allowing for the construction of a second-story mezzanine. This new level includes a conference room overlooking the baking line and an observation deck with large windows, enabling supervisors and guests to observe the plant floor safely.

Due to the increased volume of the space, Stellar specified larger rooftop air units to cool and circulate air in the updated welfare areas properly. This involved surveying, engineering and reinforcing the existing roof structure to ensure structural integrity.

"We did our due diligence to ensure this was done correctly and efficiently," said Stellar project manager Grant Shelton. "Since all previous construction documents and information had been destroyed, we had to investigate existing conditions and start from scratch."

Since the original structure was designed to house three separate tenants, Stellar also coordinated the re-permitting, design and installation of the renovated space's fire protection system.

Revitalized employee welfare spaces

The Stellar design team reimagined the facility's aging employee welfare spaces, introducing an urban industrial design that prioritizes functionality and efficiency. Interior features include:

• Polished and sealed concrete flooring
• A larger, open-concept lobby with high ceilings and ample light fixtures
• An ornate staircase leading from the lobby to the mezzanine conference room and executive offices
• High-end glass and brass ornamental fixtures in office and welfare areas
• An expanded employee breakroom with additional seating and controlled access
• Fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) paneling in locker rooms and bathrooms for easy cleaning

One of the most prominent elements of Stellar's 10,000-square-foot expansion is the facility's innovation lab adjacent to the main lobby. This R&D space and test kitchen features top-of-the-line equipment provided by the owner to host visitors and develop new product formulations.

Delivering a successful renovation on a tight timeline

Despite pandemic-fueled material delays, labor shortages and a lack of existing drawings for the 1970s-era building, Stellar completed the project in less than a year, by October 2022. The upgrades were predominantly intended to combat a competitive job market, enabling Crown Bakeries to attract and retain employees, particularly with other large employers nearby.

“Congratulations to the Crown team on an impressive, best-in-class expansion at our Smyrna facility,” said Cordia Harrington, founder and chief executive officer of Crown Bakeries. “The new spaces beautifully express our company's values. The investment made into innovation capabilities and manufacturing space at this key geographic location furthers our vision for growth and our commitment to proudly serve national brands.”

In addition to Stellar's main scope of work, Box Studios provided interior design services, and RLE Partners represented the owner as a project manager. The Crown Bakeries facility is located at 1200 Wilson Way in Smyrna.