For more than 100 years, the Dayton’s building has been an important piece of Minnesota’s culture and economy as the home to Dayton’s and Macy’s department stores. The department stores served as anchors for the downtown retail and business district. Now, the landmark building at 700 Nicollet in downtown Minneapolis is being reinvented for the 21st century through a $350 million historic redevelopment.
The Dayton’s Project development team, led by Telos Group and 601w Companies, is dedicated to realizing the building’s potential and honoring its place in history. Standing at 12 stories with more than 1.2 million square feet, The Dayton’s Project will feature modern office, dining and retail spaces, including a 45,000-square-foot food hall and market.
Maker’s Market & Food Hall
One of the first areas to be completed is the maker’s market, The Departments at Dayton’s, which opened in time for the holidays on Nov. 18, 2021. The food hall is expected to launch in the first half of 2022.
Mich Bertiaume, former curator for retail experiences at Superbowl LII and Mall of America, managed the selection of Minnesota artisans and the overall development of the maker’s market. A sampling of vendors includes Pigs Eye Pottery, pottery and classes; Larissa Loden, handmade Minneapolis jewelry; Blue Heron Soap, sustainable soap products; Junita’s Jar, warm and packaged cookies; and Kobi CO, bath and beauty products and candle embellishment workshops
Amenities and Spaces for Office Tenants & Groups
With 1.2 million square feet to work with, The Dayton’s Project is transforming the historic building for modern city life including office space. Ernst & Young Global Limited has signed a 30,000-square-foot lease and like other office tenants will have access to The Dayton’s Project’s 10,000-square-foot fitness center, a rooftop deck, and private lounge and library spaces.
Groups already can rent the Winter Lounge and Summer Terrace (an attached outdoor space), and the building’s 3,700-square-foot conference center, including a large classroom for up to 121 guests and boardroom for up to 20, will be available starting February 2022.
A Nod to History
Many original features have been retained and restored, including the Art Deco bathrooms and JB Hudson space, and the development team has worked to secure a place on the National Register of Historic Places for the Dayton’s building.
