Small Business Spotlight(s): The Dayton’s Project

Article and photos by Becky Fillinger

The media was treated to a preview of The Dayton’s Project on Monday, November 15. Oh, how fabulous it was to once again step foot inside the cultural heart of downtown Minneapolis! Brian Whiting, President and Founder of the Telos Group, addressed the crowd and acknowledged that we Minnesotans love our state and are proud of and loyal to our landmarks – Dayton’s being a prime example. “For over five generations, Dayton’s was the heart of culture, shopping, and entertainment. At Telos Group we understood its historical and cultural significance to the city of Minneapolis, and we kept those ideas in mind for every step of the renovation.”

There were gasps of delight at the renovations – there are design surprises throughout the building - but also much reminiscing.

R.T. Rybak

Former Mayor R.T. Rybak offered his memories. “I met my wife when I was a reporter covering commercial real estate and she was doing PR at Dayton’s. Over the years, coming to have breakfast with Santa and then bringing our children to have breakfast with Santa – so many different memories in this building. I work across the street, and I’ve looked over and seen it empty for a long time. I can’t describe how exciting it is to see life in this building again. To be standing on this incredible outdoor plaza looking at the IDS and the skyline, I can see wonderful things for this building. I have to hand it to the developers and investors who persevered, and to the entrepreneurs and makers – they are going to give us such needed vibrancy.”

The merchandise available by the 35 Minnesota makers is diverse and delightful. That’s because Dayton’s has the services of the wonderful Mich Berthiaume. As curator of the project, Mich meticulously hand selects every brand. “It was a long process. I went to pow wows, I went to church basements, bazaars, the Cannon River art festival, the Hudson art festival, and many other events. I want Mill City Times readers to know that we are open for business with these local makers and entrepreneurs. These brands are all made here in the Twin Cities. There were no applications – I hand selected the brands you’ll see here.”

From left to right - Wendy Pilot, Robert Pilot, Nolan Berglund, Latessa Two Bulls of Native Roots Trading Post

Robert Pilot is the curator of Native products at his Native Roots Trading Post. “I have goods from Minnesota but also all of Turtle Island (North America). We're a busy conduit for the Native community. We give them the opportunity to accentuate and amplify their goods and reach. For example, a White Earth maker of a beautifully beaded $200 piece may not have an avenue to sell her product. She may reluctantly sell it locally for $15 to buy diapers. I open up a much wider market for the Native makers to reach the mainstream market. Our Native Roots Radio AM 750 reaches 200,000 people every day. I can bring Native artists and leaders together from all over the country.

Olivia Kor

Olivia Kor of LiveForLivArtwork offers beautiful mixed media pieces focusing on resin, pigments and crystals.  She focused on her pieces during quarantine and the social media interest exploded. Olivia says, “Photos do not do my artwork justice. Instagram is beautiful but when you see the artwork in person, you can really appreciate the glossy shine of the resin and the beauty of the geodes.” Olivia’s artwork is priced from $25 coasters to wall minis ($140) to full wall masterpieces. There’s something of beauty for everyone here. My words do not do justice to her designs either – just go to Dayton’s for a look. Follow her designs on Facebook and Instagram.   

I could expound on every vendor, but you’d soon get tired of reading. Just get yourself over to The Dayton’s Project at 700 Nicollet! Their holiday windows unveiling takes place at 10:30a on Thursday, November 18. Hours going forward are 10a-6p, Monday through Saturday, and Noon to 5p Sundays.