Mankato Area Foundation Shared Spaces
Mankato, MN | Commercial
Overview
ISG designed the Mankato Area Foundations Shared Spaces offices to unite local non-profits in a more affordable space.
Opportunity
Non-profit organizations in Mankato wanted a space where they could collaborate and share resources more effectively.
Solution
The product of a 40-year vision, the Mankato Area Foundations Shared Spaces office suites opened in 2016 and provided a much needed permanent home for a series of local non-profits. One of the greater benefits of uniting the non-profits was facilitating collaboration and distributing resources. Spearheaded by the Mankato Area Foundation, this endeavor has brought together seven floating non-profits who could not afford to rent office space independently.
From the start, maximized space usage and time efficiency were two key factors in the execution of this dream, and ISG was asked by the Mankato Area Foundation to provide interior designs and construction plans for kitchen expansion. Demolition plans for the current kitchen eliminated a door, cabinets, countertops, and part of the wall. This created a more open floorplan that would increase the number of people who could comfortably utilize the space. Having a functional kitchen offers an excellent place for the employees to congregate and work together if needed. The electrical wires, sink, and dishwasher, were all relocated to further establish a spacious atmosphere, and the expanded areas made room for multiple kitchen appliances, such as a hallway counter and island. Specifications on the floor finish, base, plastic laminate, paint, and transition strip were also included. All in all, design of this first of its kind Mankato space was completed in under three months.
While the concept of sharing office space is not new, Shared Spaces is the first building to consolidate non-profits in Minnesota. ISG plans helped bring this idea to fruition and provided a space within the offices that exemplifies the name of the suites. Though Shared Spaces was an idea for 40 years, it only took a year and a half after the Mankato Area Foundation purchased it for the dream to be realized and to give local non-profits a place to call their own.