Minneapolis, minnesota
Target partnered with Noor Companies to help rebuild its Lake Street store in the wake of the riots that followed the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minn.
The goal of their partnership: to create a space “where the Lake Street community sees itself reflected – from the artwork on the walls, to the products on our shelves,” in the words of Cephas Williams, Jr., group vice president, Target. As the first social enterprise developer and general contractor, and the largest woman- and minority-owned firm in the Twin Cities, Noor Companies was uniquely positioned to help.
Our approach centered on hiring diverse subcontractors to assist with the project and teaching them the importance of a diverse and inclusive workplace on this project. The result was that the Lake Street rebuild was one of the fastest in Target’s history, with 11 women and minority-owned businesses participating. Because the team reflected the community, the final build does too, with amenities that reflect their needs – like expanded food and beverage sections and easier-to-access entrances for customers taking public transit.
