What’s next?

EPNI had a big growth year in 2024. Read all about EPNI’s community meetings, educational programming, ownership model development efforts and fundraising here.

Last year, EPNI was also finally allowed to tour the inside of the Roof Depot warehouse which is, as suspected, in great condition. A stable and sturdy foundation filled with natural light.

Here is an overview of our projected development timeline: 

(We’re here!) Phase 1: Purchasing the site, ending Sept 15, 2025

• Expand and deepen the impact of EPNI’s outdoor farm team in East Phillips while waiting to gain legal ownership and access to the Roof Depot site

• Continue community engagement and empowerment 

• Secure $1.8 million in program and operations funding

• Legal consultation to ensure long-term sustainability of the project, and prevent gentrification

• Lay the groundwork for a community ownership model, centered around a democratic community investment fund co-owning the Roof Depot site real estate with EPNI

Phase 2: Healing the land, beginning in Fall 2025

• Address the impacts of industrial pollution on the site and remediate the land

• Create  an outdoor farm on top of the parking lot of the site featuring 24 raised beds, 6 compost bins, 12 educational workshops per year and more

• EPNI has secured funding for much of the remediation and outdoor farm developed costs, but is still seeking funding for architectural planning and entitling the EPNI Urban Farm

Phase 3 is set to begin in Fall 2026, which will include stabilizing the shell and core of the warehouse. Phase 4 will focus on further preparing the site for a cooperatively-owned solar array on the rooftop, a large-scale aquaponics operation in the northern portion of the warehouse, and small businesses and community organizations in the southern portion. 

There is no standard road map for a cooperatively-owned, solar-powered indoor farm and community hub, so we have a lot of exciting work ahead. Get updates and event announcements through joining EPNI’s email list and following along on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky and Twitter.

How can I support?

Volunteer: Come dream and build with us! Share your interests and learn about current needs like: video storytelling, translation in Spanish and Somali, grant-writing, mentoring, solidarity support of other local Environmental Justice movements and more.

Donate to EPNI Please help sustain this historic endeavor as we dive into renovating the Roof Depot site. EPNI’s fundraising includes foundations, government grant programs, crowdfunding, faith-based reparations, and philanthropy. 
(EPNI is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, and donations are tax-deductible. Please email daniel@epnifarm.org for more information about making a donation)