Fastenal unveils design for new Winona office.

Byline: Anne Bretts

One of Winona's best kept secrets was revealed Thursday as Fastenal President and CEO Dan Florness unveiled renderings for the company's new downtown office building to dozens of government officials and community members.

"It was standing room only," Florness said of the announcement at City Hall.

The private company worked in secret for about three years to assemble the site before announcing the project in 2018. Nobody outside the company had seen the design before the Thursday announcement. Florness still hasn't hinted at the cost, except to say it won't require any public money.

The building will lie along the Mississippi River, adjacent to the recently rebuilt Highway 43 bridge, at the intersection of Washington and West Second streets.

"People were blown away," City Manager Stephen Sarvi said, describing the brick, stone and glass used to complement the materials used throughout the historic area.

"You know, they usually have blue all over their buildings," he said, referring the distinctive royal blue used at the industrial supply company's global headquarters on the western edge of town. Most of the company's operations will remain at that campus, but between 400 and 600 office jobs will move downtown when the building is completed. Site work is happening now, Florness said, with construction set for spring and completion expected in fall of 2021.

The Kubala Washatko Architects Inc., based in Cedarburg,Wisconsin, produced the design for the landmark building, while CD Smith, of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is the general contractor.

Fastenal founder Robert Kierlin and four friends, all retired now, launched the company in a small shop in Winona...