Citon Computer Corp Turns an Old Downtown Building into a Modern Workplace
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DULUTH, Minn. - Businesses in Downtown Duluth have been growing and expanding.
In this week's Northland Uncovered, we look at a technology group that turned a building from the 1920s into a modern office.
Shipping is big business in the Twin Ports, but technology has also been an area staple for years.
"We talk about the three T's up here. The taconite, timber and technology. And technology has been a huge part of this environment and this landscape for over 25 years now," said Steven Dastoor, President and CEO of Citon Computer Corp.
Citon has been operating in downtown Duluth since the business began in 1994.
The company was in the tech village for about 15 years until the owners bought a building on West 1st. Street.
"And it has housed many different businesses over the years. There's been a video store here, there's been a hamburger joint here at one point and a shoe repair place," said Dastoor.
The building was built back in 1922.
"We love the juxtaposition of the old building with the new design, the new technology side of things," said Dastoor.
In fact, three buildings were combined about 15 years ago and Citon owners completely gutted the whole structure.
"The floors were uneven, we evened out the floors, added beautiful new windows and created a work environment that our employees want to be a part of," said Dastoor.
When remodeling started, a layer of old architecture was uncovered.
"When we started peeling away the layers, we're like "oh we've got a beautiful set of bones to build off,"" said Sean Dean, CFO of Citon Computer Corp.
The 14,000 square foot building wasn't always open and welcoming as it is now.
"When we purchased this building it was like a maze of rooms," said Dean.
In the last four years, that's definitely changed.
"It actually has really created a warm environment," continued Dean.
With the help of their interior designer, Sandra Rich, the old building has been transformed.
"Well, like the brick walls and the tin, you can't build that kind of character into a modern building today," said Dean.
Those brick walls and the original tin ceiling, move throughout the building mixing modern design with vintage architecture.
"It doesn't feel like an old building. You know we've made it, it is an old building, you know 1920s, but we've made improvements to make it feel like a new building just in an old shell," said Dean.
Making it the perfect old space for a business working towards the future.
Construction on phase two of remodeling will start shortly.
The upstairs of the building is getting a makeover.
The plan is to have an open kitchen, a shower and a game room for the engineers.