If you’re running a contracting or trades business in Minneapolis-St. Paul, your truck isn’t big enough anymore. Equipment keeps piling up. Materials are taking over the garage. Job site coordination from your driveway stopped working three projects ago.
Minnesota has 143,000 construction jobs—up 10% since 2020—with average wages around $83,600. When business is this strong, contractors hit operational bottlenecks.
What Contractors Actually Need in Warehouse Space
Climate Control (Essential in Minnesota)
You’re storing materials that fail in extreme temperatures:
- Adhesives and sealants – Freeze and become ineffective below 40°F
- Paints and coatings – Separate in freezing temps
- Batteries and electronics – Damaged by freeze-thaw cycles
- PVC and plastics – Become brittle in extreme cold
Beyond materials, you need to work in this space. A -10°F warehouse isn’t functional.
Loading Access
Drive-in doors let you back your truck directly into the building. Loading docks work for receiving palletized materials via freight.
High Ceilings
You’re storing 16-foot ladders, pipe racks, lumber, and scaffolding. Look for a 14-16 foot minimum clear height.
Vehicle and Trailer Parking
Work trucks, vans, and trailers need somewhere to park. Know the policy before committing.
24/7 Access
Jobs don’t follow 9-5 schedules. You need access whenever you need it.
Where to Locate Based on Your Service Area
The Twin Cities span 7,000+ square miles. Location affects daily windshield time.
If customers are spread across the metro, Central positioning minimizes average drive time. St. Paul Midway sits equidistant from both downtowns.
From St. Paul Midway (801 Transfer Road):
- Downtown Minneapolis: 12 minutes
- Downtown St. Paul: 10 minutes
- Bloomington: 20 minutes
If customers concentrate in one area: Locate near your customer base. Eden Prairie makes sense for western suburbs work.
From Eden Prairie (7500 Golden Triangle Dr):
- Minnetonka: 10 minutes
- Bloomington: 15 minutes
- Downtown Minneapolis: 20 minutes
What Contractor Warehouse Space Costs
Sizing Your Space
Crew Size
Recommended Space
Solo operator
300-500 SF
2-3 technicians
500-800 SF
4-6 technicians
800-1,200 SF
6+ technicians
1,200-2,000 SF
Cost Comparison
Traditional Lease (1,000 SF):
- Base rent: $8-10/SF = $667-833/month
- NNN/CAM: $300-375/month
- Utilities: $150-300/month (winter heating is expensive)
- Equipment: $3,000-6,000 upfront
- Monthly total: $1,117-1,508
- Lease terms: 3-5 years with personal guarantee
Co-Warehousing (WareSpace, 1,000 SF):
- All-inclusive rate: $1,400-1,800/month
- Equipment: included
- Monthly total: $1,400-1,800 (no upfront costs)
- Lease terms: 6-12 months, no personal guarantee
Contractor Warehouse FAQs in Minnesota
Do I need climate control for contractor warehouse space in Minneapolis?
Yes, for most operations. Minnesota winters damage adhesives, paints, batteries, and electronics stored in unheated spaces.
Can I park my work trucks and trailers at the warehouse?
Policies vary. WareSpace includes vehicle parking. Ask about overnight trailer parking specifically.
Can I meet clients at my warehouse?
Yes. WareSpace includes conference room access for professional client meetings.
WareSpace Minneapolis-St. Paul offers contractor-ready warehouse space from 200-2,000 SF at Eden Prairie and St. Paul Midway. Climate control, loading access, vehicle parking, 24/7 access, flexible terms. Book a tour.
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