17/08/2026
From vacant Salvation Army building to community anchor.
On Chicago’s West Side, Forty Acres Fresh Market brings fresh food access to the Austin neighborhood for the first time in decades. Designed by Latent, this $5M adaptive reuse project transforms a century-old bow-truss structure into a 12,000 SF grocery and retail banking hub.
Over 2,700 sq ft of Morin Matrix MX-1 panels in 22-ga Galvalume were installed at a 40-degree incline, nodding to the Forty Acres logo. Colors like Evergreen, Patina Green, Dove Gray, and Chromium Gray evoke cultivated plots, adding texture and rhythm to a once-plain exterior.
The name honors Sherman’s Field Order 15 and the promise that fresh food is a birthright. Thoughtful design proving that architecture can deliver on a decades-old community promise.
Our thanks to Nicolas Anderson AIA and Latent Design Corporation for the vision, care, and craftsmanship behind this project. Their material selection and attention to detail elevated this façade into a true community landmark — a great example of what thoughtful design partnership can achieve. Thank you also to our regional rep, Matthew Martino, for his support throughout the process.
Read the full case study → link in stories
__
Architects & Renders: latent Nicolas Anderson
Photos: Konrad Wazny
Morin Products: Matrix MX-1 Rainscreen, 22-ga Galvalume
Morin Rep: Matthew Martino