Knutson Construction’s presence in Rochester, Minnesota dates back to the 1950s, when we worked on a series of buildings for IBM.  But it wasn’t until 1997 that the Knutson management team, facing huge opportunities to work with the Mayo Clinic and other businesses in the rapidly-growing Rochester market, decided to put a permanent office there.

“We wanted to be a full-service contractor for Mayo and other clients in southern Minnesota,” explains General Manager, Dave Bastyr, who relocated to Rochester to run the office.  “So in 1997, we rented 4,000 square feet of space.  The three of us who started the office were literally swimming in it.”

This year, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of Knutson’s Rochester office, which has grown to 17 office staff, 13 field superintendents, and 130 people in the field.  We’ve literally outgrown our office space, and will soon be moving into our own building on Highway 52.  “Knutson has become an important part of the growing Rochester community,” Dave said.  “The new building is a symbol of what we have accomplished.”  Knutson’s new home will be completed in April.

The growth of the Rochester office has been important to Knutson’s strategic growth.  “Dave and his team have added outstanding people, and their hard work continues to make their division highly successful,” said Steve Curry, Knutson CEO.  The office remains both productive and profitable.

Bastyr added that as a part of Rochester’s growing community, Knutson has been involved in city projects, public utility buildings, churches, schools, and retail development.  “We’ve also been able to expand our presence into the southeast and southwest Minnesota, into communities such as Austin, Albert Lea and Red Wing.”

The Mayo Clinic remains a key client in Rochester.  We are currently working to complete the Gonda building, one of the most visible of all Mayo projects.  In addition, Knutson has completed numerous other high profile projects in Rochester, including the expansion of the Rochester Post-Bulletin, the renovation of the Assisi Heights Residences, the Greek Orthodox Church, and the Somerby Country Club.

Watch for more news about Rochester as our landmark year unfolds.