Jeff’s Beverage

Built for wind and heavy loads.

The Project

Jeff’s Beverage is an 8,000 square foot retail facility designed to function with industrial efficiency. The structure utilizes a hybrid system, integrating a Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB) core with wood-framed exterior walls and a custom-framed second floor. This approach creates a versatile commercial space that balances the structural durability of a warehouse with the aesthetic flexibility required for a customer-facing retail outlet.

The client required a dual-purpose facility that could serve as an inviting retail environment while withstanding the rigors of heavy inventory management. Their primary operational requirement was a floor system capable of supporting forklift traffic, ensuring the building could function as a robust beverage warehouse without sacrificing customer safety or accessibility.

The project faced significant structural demands due to its location in a high-wind region. The lightweight nature of the metal building meant that managing substantial uplift forces was a critical concern to prevent structural failure during storm events. Simultaneously, the interior slab presented a challenge; it needed to be engineered not just for foot traffic, but to resist the concentrated, dynamic loads of forklifts used for stocking heavy beverage pallets.

To address these issues, the engineering team at 29e6 developed a specialized foundation plan featuring heavy-duty footings and specific anchor bolt configurations designed to lock the structure down against wind uplift. The interior slab was reinforced and thickened to safely accommodate forklift loads. Additionally, the team detailed the second-floor framing and perimeter walls to ensure seamless integration with the metal building shell, meeting all local safety codes.

The design improved upon standard retail specifications by incorporating industrial-grade durability. The focus on refined structural sections to account for uplift forces ensured long-term resilience against coastal storms. Furthermore, the specialized slab design guarantees that the facility remains functional and crack-free under heavy operational use, maximizing the lifespan of the investment and ensuring safety for daily operations.

Completed in 2017, the project stands as a safe, highly functional retail space. The collaboration between Ainsworth Designs, Dewitt Tilton Group, and 29e6 resulted in a cost-effective build that leverages the efficiency of PEMB construction without compromising on structural integrity. The facility successfully withstands the region’s high winds while supporting daily forklift operations, meeting the client’s needs on every front.

Summary

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Jeff’s Beverage in Richmond Hill, GA, showcases the effective use of a hybrid PEMB and wood-frame design. By engineering a high-capacity foundation to resist wind uplift and a reinforced slab for forklift traffic, the team delivered a durable, 8,000 square foot retail facility that is both safe and operationally efficient.