The High Winds Fund of Macalester College has selected Patagonia as the tenant for its property at 1648 Grand Avenue. The renovation of the building at 1648 Grand Avenue will take place over the next few months and the store is expected to open in late spring of this year.

In seeking a tenant, the High Winds Fund established four criteria for its selection process:

  • A tenant that did not compete with the existing retail near Macalester College;
  • An entity that would add value to the existing mix of retail and would serve the needs of both the College community and our neighborhood;
  • A retail operation that would serve as a regional draw for the Greater Twin Cities retail market; and,
  • A well-financed operation that would reinvest in the property.

“Patagonia is an enterprise that has been able to live up to its strong business ethic,” Welna stated. “Its product is made from organic cotton and recycled fibers and many of their stores are built using recycled building materials. These values are important to us and are a natural fit for Macalester College.”

In addition to meeting these criteria, Patagonia brings several other assets to the negotiating table. The company’s mission statement parallels the mission of Macalester’s own Campus Environmental Issues Committee: “To make the best product, cause no unnecessary harm and use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.” It is also a company with a strong history of local engagement and corporate giving. Most relevant to this event, Patagonia has worked diligently to utilize sustainable construction techniques in the building and remodeling of their corporate offices and retail stores.

“Each new construction or remodel project we undertake incorporates a higher level of sustainable construction materials and processes, based on what we have learned from past projects,” notes Jen Rapp, Manager of Public Relations for Patagonia.

“The fact that the company is not a ‘big box’ retailer and will have only one location in Minnesota, selling high quality clothing and outdoor-wear was also very important in our decision-making,” said Tom Welna, the Director of the High Winds Fund.