Former Dayton department building ready for renovated debut
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After Macy's moved out of the old Dayton's building in 2017, workers renovated all 1.2 million square feet of the 12-story landmark.
But between the pandemic and last year's civil unrest, developers have had a hard time attracting tenants.
Brian Whiting with the Telos Group says a planned food hall is on hold until more office workers return downtown.
The first floor includes a seasonal maker's market that features several dozen local vendors.
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Whiting says he's hopeful that shops and restaurants will move in once it's financially sustainable.
"It needs people to service it,” Whiting said. “Otherwise it's a waste for us to open it."
Most of the building, which cost $350 million to remodel, is office space, including some spaces that are furnished and move-in ready.
So far the only office tenant is accounting firm Ernst & Young, but Whiting says he's in talks with other potential tenants.
When the building reopens Thursday in downtown Minneapolis, visitors can also enjoy a new take on an old tradition: Dayton's Christmas display windows.