Developer bringing 'Dayton's' name back to downtown Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - A new developer is bringing Dayton’s back to downtown Minneapolis – in a sense.

New York-based 601w Companies unveiled their plans for what they are calling “The Dayton’s Project” on Monday. The plans include a mix of retail and office space, while maintaining the historical components of the iconic building.

For decades, the building at the corner of 7th Street and Nicollet Mall was the flagship store of the Dayton's company. The department store later became a Marshall Field’s and most recently, Macy’s. Macy’s sold the building earlier this year for $59 million.

Retail space and restaurants will occupy the first and second floors of the building of the 12-story, 1.2 million. There are also plans for a “dynamic festival food market” in the lower level designed to draw in people from both Nicollet Mall and the skyway.

For office tenants, there will be a park with seating, fire pits and an adjoining winter lounge, full-service gym and library.

The company says they want to preserve and restore the remaining historical components of the building, including the façade, the original JB Hudson space on the first floor and the Art Deco ladies room on the fourth floor. 

Construction on the project is already underway, with completion set for summer 2019. Leasing for the property has already started and some tenants could move in as early as 2018.