Our Story

Rochester Area Builders Spring Showcase of Homes

Rochester, MN – 05/09/2020

As May 9th, approached, the opening day of Rochester Area Builders (RAB) Spring Showcase of Homes, organizers knew they needed to approach this year’s event differently due to Covid-19. RAB Executive Director, John Eischen posed this challenge to committee members and solicited ideas. Tom Leimer, Vice President and General Manager of Knutson Construction’s Rochester office had an idea. Tom reached out to colleague, Katie Montag, Knutson’s Virtual Design and Construction Director to see if their Matterport Scanning technology could be the solution RAB needed to go on with the show through virtual walk-throughs.

The technology was perfect and the team set out to work with RAB to scan 39 properties. Six members of Knutson’s team were trained on the technology before being deployed to individual model homes. Homes ranged from 1,500 SF to 7,200 SF and each took up to 1.5 hours to complete. Builders will be able to use the content through fall when the RAB Fall Showcase Home Tour is scheduled.

“This is exactly what this technology is designed to do,” said Montag. “Collaborating with RAB gave us an opportunity to help a community partner while cross-training several team members in our Rochester office.“

“We look forward to bringing more services just like these to our Rochester customers,” said Leimer. “Technology is improving rapidly and our ability to help customers solve problems is really exciting.”

“The Spring Showcase of Homes is a long standing event that sparks interest for not only those seeking a new home to build or buy, but those that are interested in remodeling and getting ideas for their current home on what is trendy. We are so fortunate to have members, both commercial and residentially focused who see the value in ensuring that this event can be easily accessible for consumers during these times,” said Alissa Moe, 2020 RAB President.

The virtual event goes live Saturday May 9th and runs through May 31st.

For more information visit: www.rochesterareabuilders.com/spring-showcase#title