The Alerus Center in Grand Forks, North Dakota, recently celebrated the completion of its first major renovation in the building’s 25-year history. The $6.4 million project enhanced the guest experience and helped the Alerus Center remain a competitive destination for conferences and events in the region.

“This was part of a long-term capital improvement plan and follows improvements to the roof, HVAC and suite level,” explained Derek Hoffert, assistant general manager/director of global partnerships for Alerus Center. “There’s been significant capital investment from the city of Grand Forks to ensure we stay competitive at a time when nearby cities are looking to build facilities like ours.”

The renovation touched every area of the 25,000-square-foot conference center. As part of the focus on the guest experience, two bathrooms in high traffic areas were renovated to improve comfort and privacy. An assistive listening system was installed in the ballrooms to make the space more accessible and accommodating, and a permanent lactation suite replaced a temporary space.

The Center is named for Alerus Financial, whose brand colors are dark blue and black. Architects incorporated blue, black and gold into overall design elements to help create a signature style. “We wanted to add more personality to several spaces to compete with the boutique venues popping up regionally, but we were selective about where bolder treatments were used,” said Casey Hutton, architect with EAPC Architects Engineers. “The management staff there is very forward thinking, and they were willing to take some chances to make the facility more unique and identifiable.”

New carpet and wall finishes with touches of gold were installed throughout the corridors, meeting rooms, ballrooms and common areas. Blue was used prominently throughout, including in the bathroom closest to the conference center, where Scranton Products Eclipse Partitions help carry the fun aesthetic. “The tiles were in a gray and white palette, so the Blueberry partitions really popped,” said Hutton.

The Center’s construction manager recommended the partitions because they have a positive track record in the Alerus Center, having been installed three years ago in a suite-level renovation. The HDPE panels feature a contemporary European design, with hidden hardware and crisp panel lines that reinforce the clean, upscale aesthetic. The custom-designed metal framing system also simplified the installation.

“Our previous partitions had the typical gap to the floor, gap to the ceiling, gap in the door and where it latches,” Hoffert said. “We prioritized privacy and more modern features for this renovation in keeping with today’s industry standards.” The Eclipse Partitions have shiplap door edges to enhance privacy by reducing sight into the stall.

The restrooms near the ballroom were designed to be more subtly elegant, with Eclipse Partitions in a dark gray to blend in with busier black and white tiles. Lighting also was upgraded in both bathrooms, including “selfie lighting” around the mirror edges.

 “The bathrooms are gorgeous and people really like the finishes we selected. The partitions are one piece of many that contribute to an overwhelmingly positive response to the renovation as a whole,” said Hoffert.

Beyond appearance, the material performance was a major factor in the product selection. Eclipse Partitions are manufactured from solid HDPE, delivering long-term durability in busy commercial environments like Alerus Center. Key benefits include:

• No painting – Solid color throughout the material means Eclipse Partitions never need to be painted or refinished, reducing long-term maintenance.
• Easy to clean – The partitions can be cleaned using a common, non-abrasive cleaner.
• Healthier restrooms – The non-porous HDPE surface resists moisture and does not support the growth of mold or mildew*. The material will also never rust.
• Exceptional durability – Solid construction delivers superior resistance to dents, impacts, and daily wear.
• Sustainable – Manufactured with recycled material and designed to eliminate repainting, Eclipse Partitions can support sustainability goals.

To learn more about Scranton Products Eclipse Partitions, please visit www.scrantonproducts.com or call 800-445-5148. 

About Scranton Products: 

With more than 30 years of experience, Scranton Products is the industry leader in plastic bathroom partitions and lockers. Endless design options and an array of designer colors and textures provide confidence and elegant style in every project, creating a lasting impression. Proudly made in the USA and constructed from premium-grade solid plastic, our products’ unmatched durability withstands impact, corrosion, graffiti and mildew. Backed by sustainable technologies and industry-leading warranties, with our partitions and lockers you are investing in peace of mind.