Work continues on The Confluence project

By John McLoone

Hastings city staff plans to conduct what it terms as “entrepreneurship assessment.” City Economic Development Coordinator Eric Maass reported to the Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority at its April 14 meeting the purpose of the study is “The expansion of local retail and commercial opportunities specifically within downtown Hastings as a means to enhance local shopping opportunities as well as increase tourism. “To that end, staff will meet with downtown building owners about “their historic ability to fill vacant commercial spaces.” Roundtable discussions will be held to gain an understanding of the needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses.

As part of that, one idea for the downtown would be to convert the cityowned building that currently houses the Hastings School District Alternative Learning Center behind the post office at 213 Ramsey Street into possible coworking space, where offices or conference rooms could be rented. Maass described a possibility for the building as “a small business incubator.”

The Hastings School District is renovating part of its high school building to include its Alternative Learning Center, and their lease on the property ends this summer. They currently pay $3,600 per month to rent the facility. The space is 4,600squarefeet.

“We want to see what the needs are in the community,” said Maass, and “get a sense for what the entrepreneur community is within the Hastings community and figure out what their needs are.”

“Do they need somewhere to set up shop?” he asked. Staff will gather information during May, June and July and report back to HEDRA in August.

“If we get there and there’s nothing to be done, then a different question will be asked,” Maass said. “We still have that building, it could be redeveloped potentially. Does HEDRA have any desires or wishes for that property?”

One impediment to overall redevelopment of the site is that the city only owns half the ALC buiding.

“During May, June and July you want to get a feel for downtown. Are you looking for a shortterm solution for that rental space or during May, June or July would you meet with the owner of the other half of that building?” asked City Councilmember Mark Vaughan.

“At some point, they’ll sell. At this time, they’re not interested,” said Maass. “It’s generating income. They’re not interested in selling at this point.”

Maass said the city wants to hear from entrepreneurs on their needs.

“We’re going to rely on word of mouth on this one. We’ll have to rely on the community as well,” he said. “If you’re out there, and you’re trying to get to the next level, tell us about yourselves. Let us learn more of what’s going on.”

Vaughan said the site will have to be a HEDRA discussion and asked what would happen if a small business incubator were located there, and then the opportunity comes up to redevelop the entire site.

“I think it’s a HEDRA discussion item. Is the discussion about having a shorterterm fix or a longterm development. What if it’s successful, and we need to find a new place to move this,” he said.

Maass said he could see first floor office space with housing above in the longterm.

The Confluence

City Director of Community Development said of the development of The Confluence, “They’re making good progress over there.”

The Confluence is the redevelopment of the historic Hudson Manufacturing Company factory in downtown Hastings.

It will feature a 68room boutique hotel, 350person event space, 20 loftstyle apartments and some office space.

Developers of The Confluence told the Hastings City Council last summer that they expect the facility to be open late summer. Hinzman told HEDRA he was unsure of when it will open but he’s been told a website for the facility will be operational soon.

He was asked if events are being booked at the facility yet or if rentals are being advertised.

“I know I’ve received a number of inquiries I’ve passed on to them,” he said. “As far as how close or how far out they are, I’m not sure.”

He said utility work is currently underway, but there have been some construction challenges in the old building.

“One of the most challenging things they’re dealing with lately is the building being off kilter,” he said, making interior framing more challenging.

“They’re trying to plumb things and make them straight,” he said. “That’s been a challenge. They’re moving along well on that one.”

Photo by Bruce Karnick.