Kraus-Anderson builds additional collaboration work spaces at Mayflower Building to help emerging entrepreneurs and start-ups succeed
BEMIDJI, Minn. (April 2019) – The Bemidji office of Kraus-Anderson (KA) has completed the construction of additional collaboration spaces at the Mayflower Building, a business hub for emerging entrepreneurs, and upstart tech and engineering businesses.
KA worked with the Greater Bemidji Economic Development to renovate the basement of the Mayflower Building and to create flexible, comfortable collaboration spaces called “campsites.” The project is an expansion of Greater Bemidji’s LaunchPad, a one-stop shop that provides resources, networking, mentorship and training for business owners and entrepreneurs to share ideas and to start or grow their companies. The renovation, which complements the extensive renovation of the 1901 Mayflower Building, adds three new campsites and a conference room. The additional space allows more entrepreneurs access to the Launchpad.
The historic Mayflower Building, which first opened in May of 2015 following a major renovation by Kraus-Anderson, has attracted developing tech companies and new business start-ups, making the center an economic driver for Bemidji and the region. To date, 51 new companies have been created with the support of Greater Bemidji and the Launchpad.
Located in downtown Bemidji at 102 1st Street W., the Mayflower also supports the work of Greater Bemidji’s Minnesota Innovation Institute (MI2), which focusses on employee recruitment, placement and retention in work areas requiring skills training.