ST. PAUL, Minn. (April 28, 2017) — Lt. Governor Tina Smith, together with the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), city of Minneapolis, Minneapolis Public Schools and NorthPoint Health & Wellness, today celebrated the grand opening of 800 West Broadway, a collaborative center bringing workforce, education and health care services together at one location.
800 West Broadway, located at 800 W. Broadway Ave., Minneapolis, fosters an “open doors” culture that provides a network of continued support tailored to the needs of each guest. The center serves the entire community, providing access to health care, community education classes, job skills training and other self-enrichment opportunities.
“This WorkForce Center will connect residents of the Northside with economic opportunities, job training and educational programs, and quality health care,” said Lt. Governor Smith. “It is a testament to what we can accomplish when state and local government, the public and private sector, all work together. We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but today we are taking an important step forward in our work to create a place that works for everyone.”
“800 West Broadway is a physical embodiment of the state’s commitment to provide access to high-quality services to all Minnesotans,” said DEED Commissioner Shawntera Hardy. “WorkForce Center staff and partners will holistically bring the best resources to residents in and around North Minneapolis to ensure success as they navigate their career pathways.”
Consideration for 800 West Broadway began in 2011 after Gov. Mark Dayton visited North Minneapolis as part of an economic summit. He proposed a comprehensive response to the disparity issues facing residents there.
In response, the state of Minnesota and city of Minneapolis issued Requests for Proposals for a new workforce center development that would include other in-demand services. The project was awarded to Sherman Associates, a Minneapolis-based property development company, with construction beginning in December 2015.
The North Minneapolis WorkForce Center and Minneapolis Public Schools began operating out of the new facility in late 2016. NorthPoint Health & Wellness is scheduled to be offering services at the location by mid-2017. 800 West Broadway will eventually house additional tenants, including retail.
Learn more about the services available at 800 West Broadway by visiting the Minneapolis North WorkForce Center, Minneapolis Public Schools and NorthPoint Health & Wellness websites.
DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website or follow DEED on Twitter.
