539 Building Wins the Economic Development Association of Minnesota’s Excellence in Economic Development Project of the Year Award

Starting 2024 Off on the Right Foot with Another Major Project Award

The Economic Development Association of Minnesota (EDAM) announced the winners of the 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Awards on January 25th during the EDAM annualWinter Conference. The awards are presented to recognize Minnesota-based projects and professionals in the economic development industry who, within the last year, have exceeded expectations or overcome significant challenges.

EDAM is a state-wide association of economic development professionals with over 500 members including public, private and nonprofit professionals. Members are focused on staying informed about current economic development strategies and best practices which uphold economic development of Minnesota through education, collaboration and advocacy.

One of the categories was the Project of the Year Award which recognizes a project that demonstrates collaboration, creativity, and complexity while creating or retaining employment and capital investment. The award is meant to applaud this project and the positive impact it had in Minnesota.

This year, the Project of the Year Award recognized the renovation of the 539 Building in St. Cloud!

539 Building Renovations Pave Way for City Improvements

The International Harvester building on 539 East St. Germain Street was originally built in 1928. In 2021, Kevin and Julie Johnson of 539 Properties, LLC purchased and renovated the building to help revitalize the East End of St. Cloud and drive economic growth throughout downtown. The renovations were a success and now you will find Iron Street Distillery—St. Cloud’s sole distillery—nestled on the first floor of the historical brick building. Harvester Square sits on the second floor and hosts weddings and other events of up to 500 people. The 64-thousand square-foot building retains the integrity of its original industrial architecture with some added modern elements. 

The project involved collaboration with our Benton Economic Partnership team, along with the City of St. Cloud, Benton County, and the Initiative Foundation. The addition of the two new businesses in the community has helped spur economic progress within the area. With the success of the project, more jobs were created, the total capital investment into renovating the building and grounds amounted to over $3.1 million, and now more businesses have become interested in investing in St. Cloud’s revitalization including plans for housing, retail, and other projects. We at the Benton Economic Partnership have further plans to collaborate with investors.

For more details about the 539 Building Project, feel free to watch this video provided by EDAM.

Keep in Touch With The Benton Economic Partnership

The Benton Economic Partnership team is so happy to hear about the 539 Building’s win and the ongoing progress of St. Cloud’s East End. With our main focus being business retention and expansion, downtown redevelopment, and workforce development, all to better the overall quality of life for Benton County residents, we are looking forward to seeing further advancement of our region stemming from the 539 Building Project.

Our work involves leading and encouraging development efforts throughout Benton County and we welcome individuals and businesses who want to help. Apply here to become a Benton Economic Partnership member, or connect with us today at (320) 968-6197 or aothoudt@bentonpartnership.org. We are here to answer your inquiries regarding economic development in Benton County.