St. Paul Landmark Joe's Sporting Goods Builds New Facility
Joe's Sporting Goods has been a St. Paul landmark at the corner of Dale and Como since 1930. Joe's first opened selling bait and tackle and has since evolved into a full service provider of fishing, hunting, camping and skiing equipment. The store is now managed by a third generation of Rauschers, brothers Jim and Joe, who have owned the store since taking it over from their dad in 1997.
Over the years the business has continually grown, and to allow for further growth it was necessary for Joe's to relocate. Langer Construction, Joe's general contractor since 1976, was asked to help with all aspects of the relocation and construction of the new building. "We wish to extend our special thanks to Langer for the construction of our beautiful new store and for your expertise, professionalism, and attention to time and details," remarked the Rauschers.
The construction of the 45,000-square-foot facility was fast-tracked for completion in time to receive the large volume of fall hunting and skiing merchandise at the new location. Despite a very wet spring season, Joe's began moving two weeks earlier than planned and was able to open at the new location a week earlier than expected. The new store boasts 50 percent more retail square footage all on one level, meeting space overlooking the retail area, and a spacious, efficient shipping and receiving area.
Langer's Real Estate Division assisted the Rauschers as they searched and negotiated for a new location for the store. Langer located the new site, conducted land negotiations, and assisted in the zoning and permit approval process. In addition to this, Langer's Real Estate Division provided brokerage services to sell the existing store at Dale and Como. This was an especially important aspect of the move as this was not just a building to the Rauscher family, it was the place where three generations of Rauschers lived and worked for over seventy years. With several buyer options available, the building was sold to another St. Paul family business, Uniforms Unlimited, after just two months on the market.
