655 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA
Hello, fellow Minnesotans! For generations, the name "Dayton's" has held a special place in the hearts of those of us in Minneapolis and beyond. It wasn't just a department store; it was a landmark, a gathering place, and for many, the very essence of holiday magic in downtown Minneapolis. While the traditional Dayton's department store, which anchored our retail scene for over a century, is no longer operating in its original form, the iconic building at 700 Nicollet Mall has been reimagined and is now known as The Dayton's Project. This ambitious redevelopment aims to honor its rich legacy while ushering in a new era for this historic space, blending modern office, retail, and event venues.
For many of us who grew up in Minnesota, memories of Dayton's conjure images of grand holiday displays on the eighth floor, visits with Santa, and bustling shopping trips. The building itself is an architectural marvel, and its transformation into The Dayton's Project seeks to maintain its grandeur while adapting to the evolving needs of downtown Minneapolis. This new iteration signifies a shift from a singular department store to a dynamic, multi-use hub, reflecting the changing landscape of urban centers.
It's important for us local users to understand that while the traditional department store model is gone, the spirit of the place lives on in new ways. The Dayton's Project is working to bring back retail experiences, office spaces, and community events that draw people back to this beloved address. It represents a forward-thinking approach to preserving history while creating new opportunities for commerce and connection in our city. While some experiences may differ from the classic Dayton's, there's a strong effort to maintain its significance as a focal point for Minneapolis residents.
The building's extensive history as a retail powerhouse means it was always designed to accommodate large numbers of visitors and offer a diverse array of goods. The current redevelopment leverages this foundation, aiming to provide a contemporary yet historically sensitive environment for its new tenants and visitors. It’s a testament to the enduring importance of this building to the fabric of downtown Minneapolis.
The Dayton's Project is prominently located at 700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA. This address places it right in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, making it incredibly accessible for residents across the Twin Cities metropolitan area and visitors alike. Being on Nicollet Mall, a vibrant pedestrian thoroughfare, ensures high visibility and easy walkability. The building is directly connected to Minneapolis's renowned Skyway system, providing climate-controlled access to numerous surrounding buildings, parking ramps, and public transportation hubs, which is a significant advantage, especially during Minnesota's colder months.
For those driving, ample parking is available in numerous ramps throughout downtown Minneapolis, many of which are connected to the Skyway system, offering seamless access to The Dayton's Project. The central location also means it's well-served by various public transportation options, including Metro Transit buses and light rail lines, making it convenient for commuters and those who prefer not to drive. This unparalleled accessibility underscores its suitability as a central hub for business, retail, and events in Minneapolis.
As The Dayton's Project is a redeveloped multi-use building rather than a traditional department store, its "services offered" are evolving and encompass various aspects:
Office Space: The majority of the building has been redeveloped into modern Class A office spaces, attracting businesses like Ernst & Young LLP and Prudential Financial, offering contemporary amenities for tenants.
Retail & Dining (Evolving): While not a traditional department store, efforts are underway to introduce ground-level and skyway retail, as well as dining options. Gray Fox Coffee is a current tenant, and there are plans for further retail and food hall developments.
Seasonal Retail Markets: The Dayton's Project has hosted events like the "Winter Maker's Market," featuring numerous independent Minnesota vendors, aiming to bring back a curated retail experience.
Holiday Displays & Events: There is a strong commitment to bringing back holiday traditions, including holiday markets and displays, echoing the iconic Dayton's eighth-floor Christmas shows.
Building Amenities (for tenants/events): Features such as private lounge and library spaces, a state-of-the-art gym facility, and a green rooftop terrace with skyline views are available, often doubling as event spaces.
Event Venues: Portions of the building are available for various events, leveraging its historic grandeur for modern gatherings.
The Dayton's Project stands out with several notable features and highlights, blending its historic past with a forward-looking vision:
Historic Preservation and Restoration: The redevelopment has meticulously retained and restored many original features, including the Art Deco bathrooms, the iconic JB Hudson space, ornate column capitals, and terrazzo flooring, preserving the building's unique character.
Iconic Location and Skyway Connectivity: Its position on Nicollet Mall and direct connection to the city's extensive Skyway system are unparalleled, offering convenient, climate-controlled access for office workers and visitors.
Commitment to Holiday Traditions: Despite the change in ownership and format, efforts have been made to revive the beloved holiday market and displays, acknowledging and continuing a cherished Minnesota tradition, particularly around the Santa Bear.
Modern Amenities (for office tenants): The building now offers high-end amenities like a gym, private lounges, and a rooftop terrace, making it an attractive location for modern businesses.
Adaptive Reuse Success: The project represents a significant adaptive reuse of a historic building, transforming a single-function structure into a dynamic mixed-use hub, contributing to downtown revitalization.
Community Engagement (e.g., Maker's Markets): The initiative to host curated markets featuring local vendors demonstrates a commitment to supporting Minnesota businesses and offering unique retail experiences.
As The Dayton's Project is primarily a redeveloped mixed-use building rather than a traditional department store, its "promotions or special offers" are more aligned with its current function. For retail tenants and pop-up markets (like the Winter Maker's Market), individual vendors may have their own promotions. For instance, the Maker's Market might feature special deals from its 65 independent Minnesota vendors during its operational periods.
Regarding the Santa Bear, it's a beloved holiday tradition deeply tied to Dayton's history. While the original Dayton's store is closed, efforts have been made to bring back elements of the holiday experience, including the Santa Bear. It's important for local users to understand that the sales channels for Santa Bear merchandise might vary, sometimes appearing at these pop-up markets, or through partnerships that aim to continue the tradition. For specific offers on Santa Bears or other holiday merchandise, it's best to check information related to the annual holiday markets held at The Dayton's Project, as these would be the most likely venues for such sales. Information about current promotions for office leasing or event space would be available directly from The Dayton's Project management team.
For any inquiries related to The Dayton's Project, including current retail offerings, event schedules, or office leasing, you can find information through their official channels.
Address: 700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN 55402, USA
While a direct general contact phone number for the entire Dayton's Project is not publicly listed for general inquiries as a "department store" in the traditional sense, for specific tenants like Gray Fox Coffee, their contact information would be available. For building management or leasing, one would typically refer to The Dayton's Project's official website or real estate contacts.
The Dayton's Project is an incredibly suitable and historically significant site for locals in Minnesota, particularly for those who cherish the legacy of the original Dayton's department store. Its central location on Nicollet Mall, with unparalleled Skyway connectivity, makes it an accessible hub in downtown Minneapolis for a variety of purposes. While it has evolved from a traditional department store, its commitment to honoring its past, especially through initiatives like the holiday markets and efforts to continue the beloved Santa Bear tradition, resonates deeply with the community. The ongoing transformation into a dynamic mixed-use space, offering modern office environments and the potential for new retail and dining experiences, ensures that this iconic building remains a vital part of Minneapolis's urban fabric. For Minnesotans, it represents a blend of cherished nostalgia and forward-looking urban development, offering a renewed reason to visit and engage with a piece of our collective history.