Renewable energy for nonprofit serving Black youth
Developer:
Studio BV (architect), Shaw-Lundquist (builder)
Purpose:
MnCIFA loan for $750,000 with 2-year term. For 30,000 Feet new Black Arts & Tech Center, add renewable energy system, permanently reducing energy costs so more resources can go to support programs.
Solar
Geothermal + solar energy
30,000 Feet new Black Arts & Tech Center opened in October 2025:
- New construction: 12k square foot center at 1351 Arcade St., St. Paul, adjacent Johnson High School
- Center includes Best Buy Teen Tech Center, studio for arts, dance, recording, and flex work space
- With geothermal and solar, the center is powered by renewable energy
- Total project cost for new facility: $7.58 million
- Bridge loan from MnCIFA repayable via federal Investment Tax Credits ($450k) and MN Department of Education grant ($300k)
- Energy savings: Estimated reduction in electricity and heating costs over $30,000 per year, freeing resources to support more programming.
About 30,000 Feet
- Nonprofit 501(c)3 co-founded by Kevin Robinson and Vanessa Young in 2013.
- Mission: Empowering African American youth in a community of low-income households.
- Programs: After-school and summer academic programs, art education and residencies, tech education and job opportunities.
- Partner: Best Buy - Teen Tech Center.
- Other project funders: Minnesota DEED, Met Council, City of St. Paul, multiple foundations and individual donors.