Dakota Electric ASSOCIATION
History TImeline
Building a legacy — the evolution of Dakota Electric's facilities.
1930s
As part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) provided low-cost loans to farmers across America to create electric cooperatives. (1936)
A group of local farmers met in Farmington to discuss the need to electrify our communities. At this time, only one in ten farms in America had electricity. (1937)
After energizing its first lines earlier in the year, the co-op investigated possible sites for a permanent headquarters building. The board voted to rent the south half of the new McHugh building at 429 Third Street in Farmington. (1938)
A group of local farmers met in Farmington to discuss the need to electrify our communities. At this time, only one in ten farms in America had electricity. (1937)
After energizing its first lines earlier in the year, the co-op investigated possible sites for a permanent headquarters building. The board voted to rent the south half of the new McHugh building at 429 Third Street in Farmington. (1938)
1940s
Dakota Electric continued growing. In February of 1941, the board approved purchasing a lot on the corner of Oak and Second Street in Farmington. Months later, the board sent building plans to the REA for approval.
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, plunged the U.S. into World War II. Over the next four years, the country faced numerous shortages, including materials needed for expanding power lines.
After the end of WWII, the board discussed the idea of a permanent headquarters once more, but the shortage of construction materials was worse than during the war. (1946)
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, plunged the U.S. into World War II. Over the next four years, the country faced numerous shortages, including materials needed for expanding power lines.
After the end of WWII, the board discussed the idea of a permanent headquarters once more, but the shortage of construction materials was worse than during the war. (1946)
1950s
Years later, during the post-war economic boom, the board hired an architecture firm to design the new headquarters on Oak Street. However, Dakota Electric's growth required additional land it could not secure, so the board considered different locations and ultimately decided on 821 Third Street in Farmington. (1952)
In 1955, the co-op started accepting construction bids for the new headquarters. One year later, co-op employees moved into their new office building on Third Street. The building was twice the size of the previous building. (1956)
In 1955, the co-op started accepting construction bids for the new headquarters. One year later, co-op employees moved into their new office building on Third Street. The building was twice the size of the previous building. (1956)
1960s
In 1962, the board approved the construction of a new 10,300-square-foot warehouse attached to the headquarters building. The warehouse would accommodate the growing member base and house additional materials and supplies.
Between 1964-1967, the board approved plans to build a second floor to the office on Third Street and an additional warehouse building at the co-op's pole yard.
Between 1964-1967, the board approved plans to build a second floor to the office on Third Street and an additional warehouse building at the co-op's pole yard.
1970s
Three years later, rapid growth prompted discussions about a new headquarters. During this time, the co-op purchased a 25-acre parcel in Apple Valley and approved a design, but did not construct a new building. (1970-1974)
The co-op discussed finding an alternative location in Farmington and ultimately decided on the current location at 4300 220th St. West. (1975)
The board approved detailed headquarters plans and held a groundbreaking ceremony. The new building would be an 84,700-square-foot office including an attached warehouse and garage. (1977)
Employees' packed office materials from the previous building and moved everything to the new location. The co-op hosted an open house from 1-9 p.m. for members and the public to tour the new headquarters building. (1978)
The co-op discussed finding an alternative location in Farmington and ultimately decided on the current location at 4300 220th St. West. (1975)
The board approved detailed headquarters plans and held a groundbreaking ceremony. The new building would be an 84,700-square-foot office including an attached warehouse and garage. (1977)
Employees' packed office materials from the previous building and moved everything to the new location. The co-op hosted an open house from 1-9 p.m. for members and the public to tour the new headquarters building. (1978)
1980s - 2010s
In 1988, the co-op needed more office space to accommodate a growing employee base. The board approved a 4,000-square-foot addition on the building's west side.
In 1992, the board approved plans to expand the headquarters building with a 13,000-square-foot addition on the east side. The addition included a remodeled lunchroom, atrium, and board room. This was the last major structural addition completed at co-op's current headquarters.
In the early 2000s and throughout the 2010s, the co-op continued to carry out necessary cosmetic, mechanical, and infrastructure updates at its headquarters.
In 1992, the board approved plans to expand the headquarters building with a 13,000-square-foot addition on the east side. The addition included a remodeled lunchroom, atrium, and board room. This was the last major structural addition completed at co-op's current headquarters.
In the early 2000s and throughout the 2010s, the co-op continued to carry out necessary cosmetic, mechanical, and infrastructure updates at its headquarters.