CHILI, NY – SWBR joined Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, Town of Chili officials, and community partners on April 10 to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Goodwill’s newest retail store at 3170 Chili Avenue. The project revitalized the former Big Lots site and marks the company’s eighth facility in Monroe County, bolstering its regional network in New York.
Designed to serve both people and purpose, the Chili location expands access to affordable goods while generating local investment for workforce development, environmental initiatives, and community programs — creating approximately 30 new jobs in the process.
The renovation reimagined more than 23K SF of existing commercial space as a bright, efficient atmosphere that balances customer experience with operational clarity. An open sales floor augments visibility and flow, while a clearly separated donor drop-off area streamlines donations and back-of-house processes. Contemporary finishes throughout the space align with brand standards, reinforcing a cohesive identity.
Employee experience was integral to the design, which also incorporates a wellness room, breakroom, IT closet, and three single-use restrooms, along with a new exterior-access trash compactor; improving circulation while advancing sustainability goals.
SWBR has served as an active partner to Goodwill, providing architectural, structural, site/civil engineering, and interior design services for the opening of each new store. FSI (Construction Manager) and Kinetic Services Engineering P.C. (MEP Engineering) were also integral members of the project team, collaborating from initial concepts through construction.
“Adaptive reuse projects like this show how thoughtful design can unlock new value for both organizations and the communities they serve,” said SWBR Principal Don Pannone. “By reactivating an underused retail space, we helped create a store that strengthens Goodwill’s operations, supports their workforce, and positions them to increase impact across Rochester and beyond.”
Following the ribbon‑cutting ceremony, the store officially opened to the public at 9 a.m. Regular store and donation hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Enthusiasm was immediate, with more than 250 patrons waiting in line on opening day — some arriving more than two hours before the doors opened. Sales continued to climb throughout the weekend, signaling the meaningful and lasting effect the new location is already having on the community.
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