Construx Co. Completes Hi People! Let’s Grow Hartford Dispensary

Construx Co. recently completed the new Let’s Grow Hartford dispensary for Hi People!, bringing a bold vision to life in the heart of Hartford. Designed as a modern, community-focused cannabis retail space, the dispensary pairs an eye-catching storefront with a warm, thoughtfully curated interior that encourages exploration and ease. From the first step inside, customers are welcomed by carefully considered details—from distressed brick accent walls to custom wood elements — that create a distinctive and approachable environment. The Hi People! team celebrated the grand opening of the space on November 22.

The project involved a full interior and exterior transformation, beginning with comprehensive demo and abatement to remove existing walls, ceilings, flooring, desks, furnishings, and the original storefront system. This allowed for a complete reconfiguration of the space, creating a clear division between the public sales floor and back-of-house areas while modernizing building systems throughout.

Custom carpentry played a central role in defining the retail experience. A new sales counter anchors the sales floor and features integrated, custom-made merchandise display cases, a tiled face, butcher block countertops, and half-door detailing. Slat walls were installed to support flexible merchandising, while a suspended wood-plank ceiling at the entry — paired with wrap-around lighting — sets the tone upon arrival. A new wall separates the sales floor from back-of-house operations, and new doors were installed throughout the space. Employee areas were fully built out as well, including a break room with new upper and lower cabinetry.

Masonry work added texture and character throughout the space, including the infill of existing window openings at the mezzanines, the installation of distressed thin brick accent walls, and the creation of a new opening for a secure mail drop box. These elements reinforce the dispensary’s industrial-yet-warm aesthetic while adding durability and visual interest.

Extensive mechanical, electrical, and plumbing upgrades were completed to support daily operations and long-term performance. Electrical work included new exterior lighting around the roof fascia, suspended lighting throughout the sales floor and above the sales counter, in-grid lighting in back-of-house areas, and integrated security systems. Plumbing upgrades included a new employee restroom, break room plumbing, a custodial sink, and extensions to the existing fire suppression and sprinkler systems. New HVAC ductwork and rooftop units were installed to ensure consistent climate control throughout the space.

Finishes were selected for durability and cohesion. New LVT flooring was installed across the sales floor and employee areas, with tile finishes added in the employee restroom and on the face of the sales counter. Fresh paint was applied throughout the sales floor and back-of-house, tying the space together with a clean, modern look.

Exterior improvements completed the transformation. The project included installation of a new Kawneer storefront system with insulated glass units and new entry doors, updated exit door hardware, a custom vault and security door, and a new window adjacent to the exit door. Roofing work involved removal of existing gravel and asphalt roofing and installation of a new EPDM roofing system.

Sitework wrapped up the build with removal of existing pavement, regrading of the lot, new parking lot paving and striping, and new sidewalks for employee access and the mail drop box. Grass seeding, landscaping, and new parking signage were also installed, delivering a polished exterior that complements the newly completed interior.

The finished Hi People! Let’s Grow Hartford dispensary reflects Construx Co.’s commitment to craftsmanship, collaboration, and building commercial spaces that support both brand experience and operational excellence.