The CITYCROPS project is an aggregate of many ideas, some ancient, some waiting to be proven reasonable, and many in between.  The benefits of each are probably self-evident, especially in light of  issues plaguing news-headlines and the periphery of our thoughts when we buy food as conscious consumers.  The steps we are now taking, in addition to basic business, are to shore up issues of cost analysis, return on investment, as well as physical issues regardng the ‘right’ kinds of light and checking the math for structural systems.  If any of you have expertise you can offer, please let us know!

The skyscraping concepts will come as part of the long-term vision.  To start, we will buy and retrofit an existing building - single story, warehouse-ish - like a Circuit City or an abandoned building in Seattle’s up-and-coming neighborhoods.  The roof will be relaced with a glazing system, diffusing light throughout.  The interior will be ensured to minimize thermal shift and an interior stacking system will be set up for hydroponic grow trays.  In time the aquaponic system will be integrated. 

Data collection for each facility will be important, especially for this first facility, and much data already exists to gauge efficient marketable productivity.  In comparison to the typical ag business models and impacts on farmers and consumers, growing food in the city buildings will prove to be a good plan.