Members of the Rotary Club of Cambridge were recently given a tour of The Packing House by Jodie Hardesty, community manager for MERGE, the 2^nd floor shared office space. 

The Packing House is a 60,000-square-foot building originally built in the 1920s by the Phillips Packing Company and known as “Factory F.” It was one of several factories used by the company for canning produce. In 1956, they were sold to Consolidated Foods, later becoming Sara Lee.

Over the next few decades, the building fell into disrepair as its function changed. During that time, it has been the home of several businesses, most recently an antiques store.

In 2018, Cross Street Partners purchased the building after being vacant for a long time with no maintenance or upkeep. The intention is to create a place where multiple businesses can operate.

Jodi’s involvement began in 2022 as the community manager. Her business background is resident renovation design and project management. With this experience, it allows her to wear many hats.

Ms. Hardesty holds a master’s degree in communications.