Your blogger fondly recalls the lunch "hours" she spent many years ago combing through the bargain racks of the old Banks store in Northeast Minneapolis.
The hulking structure at 615 First Ave. NE was built in the early 1900s originally as a wholesale furniture operation. After its stint as M.F. Bank & Co., the building was purchased and renovated in 2000 into office space by Schafer Richardson Inc. It's currently home to tenants such as Media Loft, Make-A-Wish Foundation and a campaign office for Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
And now, it's home to Terrapin Technologies, which moved its operations from Robbinsdale to the Banks building earlier this month.
Terrapin, which provides financial services back-office operations and technologies to businesses says the move will help the privately held firm grow.
"Terrapin has been on a growth curve and our new location not only provides additional room for expansion, it also enhances our recruiting and strengthens our relationships with local businesses," says the company's president, Kristefor Lysne, President.
Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak hopped on the welcome wagon. "Minneapolis' unparalleled blend of global economic reach, cultural diversity and big-city amenities will surely help Terrapin attract and retain top-notch talent from around the region, country and world," he said.
Janet Moore covers commercial real estate for the Star Tribune.