Business growth, operational changes, and market shifts often require reconfiguring existing commercial spaces. We redesign layouts that improve workflow efficiency, accommodate new equipment, create additional offices or departments, and adapt spaces for entirely different business uses without relocating to new facilities.

Effective reconfigurations start with understanding how employees actually use space. We map movement patterns, identify bottlenecks, analyze departmental interactions, and evaluate equipment placement before recommending layout changes. This analysis prevents common mistakes like positioning shipping near customer areas or isolating departments that collaborate frequently.
Converting spaces between business types—warehouse to office, retail to restaurant, or industrial to creative workspace—often requires change of occupancy permits addressing fire suppression, egress capacity, restroom counts, and ventilation standards. We navigate these code requirements and coordinate inspections that allow legal occupancy under new business classifications.
Businesses change unpredictably, making permanent construction potentially obsolete. We design reconfigurations using demountable partitions, movable walls, and flexible infrastructure that allow future modifications without complete demolition. This approach costs more initially but provides long-term adaptability as business needs evolve.

Our commercial construction services extend throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. While we maintain our headquarters in Minneapolis and complete most projects within city limits, we regularly work on build-outs in surrounding communities where businesses operate in suburban markets, industrial parks, and neighborhood commercial districts.
Proudly serving St. Paul, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Minnetonka and Plymouth for 15+ years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial Construction can be complex, and we’re here to provide answers to common questions. Here are some frequently asked questions from our clients.
Commercial build-out costs vary significantly by business type and finish quality. Basic office or retail build-outs cost $40-75 per square foot. Restaurants with commercial kitchens run $80-150 per square foot due to plumbing and equipment complexity. Industrial and warehouse projects cost $30-60 per square foot depending on equipment requirements. These estimates cover construction but not furniture, fixtures, or specialized equipment your business provides.
Yes, we manage all permit applications, building department coordination, and required inspections throughout your project. Commercial construction typically requires building permits, electrical permits, mechanical permits, plumbing permits for kitchens or restrooms, and fire department approvals for certain occupancies. We maintain positive relationships with Minneapolis inspectors and understand code requirements for all commercial business types.
Yes, we regularly perform construction in occupied buildings through phased approaches. We create temporary work areas, schedule disruptive work during off-hours, install dust containment barriers, and coordinate with your team on timing for any necessary utility shutdowns. This extends project duration but eliminates relocation costs and maintains revenue during construction.
Timeline depends on project type and scope. Simple office or retail build-outs require 8-12 weeks from permit approval to completion. Restaurants need 12-16 weeks due to commercial kitchen complexity. Warehouse and industrial projects run 10-16 weeks depending on equipment installation requirements. Permit approval adds 2-4 weeks before construction starts. We provide detailed schedules during initial consultations.
We coordinate with architects and designers you select, working from their plans and specifications. For simpler projects not requiring architectural services, we provide design-build approaches where we handle both design and construction. This streamlines the process and often reduces overall project costs while maintaining quality and code compliance.
Existing buildings sometimes reveal hidden conditions—deteriorated structures, unexpected utilities, or code violations not visible before demolition. We document all conditions with photos, explain impacts on cost and schedule, and provide options for addressing issues before proceeding. Our change order process is transparent with detailed explanations and pricing for any necessary modifications to original scope.
Reconfiguration typically costs $30-75 per square foot while relocating includes moving expenses, lease buyout costs, new TI allowance negotiations, and business interruption. If your current space has adequate total square footage but poor layout, reconfiguration often provides better value than relocating, especially if you have remaining lease term.
We start by understanding your operations—how many employees, what equipment, how departments interact, where customers or visitors enter, and what activities generate noise or require privacy. This operational analysis drives layout decisions more effectively than copying generic floor plans that don't match how you actually work.
Yes, we reconfigure warehouse layouts to add office areas, modify loading dock positions, create equipment maintenance zones, or partition spaces for multiple tenants. Industrial reconfigurations often involve relocating utilities, adding equipment foundations, or modifying overhead crane coverage areas to support new operational patterns.
Converting spaces between business types—warehouse to office, retail to restaurant, or industrial to creative workspace—requires change of occupancy permits addressing fire suppression, egress capacity, restroom counts, parking, and ventilation standards for the new use. We navigate these code requirements and coordinate inspections that allow legal occupancy under new business classifications.
Schedule Your Construction Consultation
From restaurant kitchens to warehouse facilities, retail stores to office spaces, we deliver complete commercial build-outs across every business vertical. Our construction services address the full project lifecycle—design consultation, permit coordination, multi-trade construction, and final inspections that get you to certificate of occupancy.
We pride ourselves on delivering great results and experiences for each client. Hear directly from home and business owners who’ve trusted us with their Commercial Construction needs.

They built our complete restaurant from empty shell space including the commercial kitchen with hood system, walk-in coolers, and all equipment connections. We passed health department inspection on the first visit and opened on schedule. Their experience with restaurant requirements saved us from costly mistakes other contractors would have made.
Michael Torres, Owner - Full Service Restaurant

Our warehouse expansion required adding two loading dock positions and installing foundations for heavy manufacturing equipment. They coordinated structural engineering, managed utility relocations, and completed the project without disrupting ongoing production operations. The docks function perfectly and equipment foundations were exactly to specification.
Lisa Anderson, Facilities Director - Manufacturing Company

Building out our craft cocktail bar meant satisfying fire marshal occupancy requirements, installing three separate bar stations with draft systems, and coordinating liquor license inspections. They navigated all the regulatory requirements and delivered a space that creates the atmosphere we envisioned while meeting every compliance standard.
Jason Kim, Managing Partner - Cocktail Bar
Ready to hear more about expert services at Minneapolis Commercial Interiors?
Contact us today to receive a detailed, no-obligation quote.
Minneapolis Metro, MN
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