by Dennis Dalman
Current developments in St. Joseph make for a “very exciting time,” said Nate Keller, the city’s community development director.
In an interview with the Newsleader, Keller listed some of the top highlights:
Kensington Bank
In the area near the post office, lots of unique development is in the works, some involving reconverting homes there into businesses. That area is zoned for commercial development, Keller noted.
One example is Kensington Bank, created from a rambler home on the corner of Ash Street and First Avenue NW.
The bank houses a loan-production office and a deposit-production office. There are four full-time employees and part-time staff will be added. The bank shares its space with an investment advisor from another company.
The Kensington Bank has been in downtown St. Cloud since 2016. It plans to close its St. Cloud location and relocate its staff. There are also seven other Kensington Banks in central Minnesota, including one that opened in Sartell recently at 809 10th Ave. N.
Obbink Distilling
Located at 11 Date St. E., Obbink Distilling opened June 1. Founded by three former St. John’s University students, the distillery features a still for making top-quality whiskeys and a lounge-cocktail area, along with exterior seating.
Visitors can sample the spirits, with new varieties added just about every day.
Tacoholic
This Mexican-American style restaurant opened at 14 College Ave. N. in the building that used to house Sliced Pizza and then, later Jolie Olie’s Sweet Shoppe.
It is owned by the same people who own Anejos, a Mexican-style restaurant in Sartell.
Tacoholic serves a wide variety of food, including tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, fish tacos, burritos, nachos, guacamole, taco salad and much more.
Industrial Park
Keller also noted that developments are happening fast at the St. Joseph Industrial Park located along CR 133.
Ground has recently been broken to construct Granite City Gymnastics and the Goodin Co. The latter is a company that makes wholesale equipment for large-scale projects that include plumbing equipment, pipes, water-well items, industrial supplies such as large valves and fittings. It also makes equipment for heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Granite City Gymnastics, headquartered in Waite Park, will provide in its St. Joseph location options for young participants to develop their gymnastics skills that promote good health, exercise, social skills, coordination and self confidence. It will open in October.
Apartments
Some new apartments will be constructed along College Avenue. All told, the two-phase project will produce almost 100 apartments.
That project will begin in 2024.
More information will be published as the Newsleader learns more about the project.
Nate Keller
