Blooming Prairie Public Utilities relocates to new building

The Blooming Prairie Public Utilities department has a new home, and the space will be a vast improvement from the department’s former, cramped quarters. 
 “We felt like we needed a new office for quite some time,” said Public Utilities Director Rick Kittelson. 
The former building was built in 1931. Although several renovations have been completed over the years, the department continued to outgrow the space. “We got pretty much every inch we could get, and still didn’t have enough space,” Kittelson said. The former building also had air quality issues, making it difficult for staff to work comfortably. 
The department purchased property west of the power plant, and Kittelson says that the “long-term plan” is to build an office with additional space at this location. In the meantime, however, he believes that the new space will serve the department well. 
The staff is currently moving the last of their items into the new building, located at 333 2nd Avenue Northeast. They’ve already made several improvements to the existing building, which is the former location of the Blooming Prairie Ambulance Service. 
A new roof was recently installed, and the project was paid for through insurance, as a result of some hail damage. An L-shaped wall was also built near the building’s entryway, helping to secure the area for staff. Remodeling also took place to make the building (and restroom) handicap accessible. 
Other improvements at the new location include a glass front door and some windows to let in light. (The building had no windows when it was purchased.) Last Thursday, workers also finished installing a drive-up drop box for after-hour payments. With this new addition, customers will be able to drop off their payments without leaving the comfort of their vehicles. 
For all of the projects, the department worked with local contractors. JW Gwilt completed the roofing work and Epic Contractors took care of general building improvements. Prairie Plumbing did all plumbing work and Wehner Electric finished the electric work. Davin Johnson also offered painting services and Metal Services supplied the building’s new signs. 
All that’s left is to finish at the building is a little work on some trim and to make a few cosmetic improvements to the lawn. 
The new space allows for more storage room and even garage space. Now the department is also able to house the SEMCAC Senior Citizens’ bus, freeing up more space. 
Kittelson’s employees Katie Wencl and Ana Trom operate out of the new location and are excited about the change. If things work well, Kittelson expects that the department will utilize the building for a few years. 
“It’s great to have our own space and have things more spread out,” Wencl said. 
The first week in October is National Public Power Week and Kittelson says that, at that time, the department will hold an open house to commemorate the move. Exact dates and times will be announced at a later date.