Shakopee officials have applied for a federal grant to build a $16.7 million Innovation Center, a postsecondary institution to support local entrepreneurs, train workers in manufacturing and offer selected courses.
The city's Economic Development Authority (EDA) last week submitted an application to cover the project's cost. Officials are hoping that federal funding can cover at least 80% of the price tag, with the city prepared to cover the balance.
The proposed three-story, 36,000-square-foot building would be on city-owned property at 1st Avenue and Atwood Street in downtown Shakopee.
"We're kind of taking a risk with this facility, but it's a good risk," said Jenn Brewington, Shakopee economic development specialist. "We're hoping we can become a national model."
The Innovation Center would feature three areas, Brewington said: a learning hub, an entrepreneurship hub and a third hub aimed at attracting and retaining businesses.
Michael Kerski, Shakopee's planning and development director, said it would be among the first buildings in the country designed with COVID-19 safety standards in mind.
Sketches show a two-bay shop area that would accommodate cars and large equipment, several classrooms and smaller workshops, conference rooms, a coffee shop area and a commercial kitchen. Office and co-working space also would be available.
Brewington said that even in this era of online learning, there's still a need for physical spaces to encourage collaboration. The building's design takes into account the challenges of interacting face-to-face during the pandemic.