Whole Foods, recognized for its commitment to sustainability and strong neighborhood ties, selected an unoccupied commercial structure for retrofit into a new store at The Summit at Fritz Farm, a mixed-use development in Lexington, Kentucky. From the outset, the design intent was clear: create a façade that felt rooted in place, conveyed permanence and reflected the character of the surrounding built community.

The project began with an existing structural shell, complete with remnants from the building’s previous life. Rather than starting over, Shook Kelley and Wells embraced those conditions, using them as a foundation to shape a building that appeared established and storied. Wells made it possible to construct a new exterior around the existing framework while achieving a rustic aesthetic that would have been difficult to realize with other materials.