The Outlet, a business providing rental office spaces for small enterprises in Albert Lea, has opened a second facility in the city's historic downtown. Located at 137 N. Broadway Ave., the expansion was driven by high demand at its original location and adds six new private offices and a conference room to support the local business community.
Owner Jodi Hartman acquired the new property in June after the original building at 137 S. Broadway Ave. reached full capacity. The new site began welcoming its first tenants on August 1, continuing The Outlet's mission to offer flexible, professional workspaces for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Key Takeaways
- The Outlet has opened a second location at 137 N. Broadway Ave. in downtown Albert Lea.
- The expansion adds six private offices and a rentable conference room to its portfolio.
- Owner Jodi Hartman purchased the historic building in June 2024 due to full occupancy at the original site.
- The new facility aims to support local small businesses and foster a collaborative professional community.
Meeting a Growing Demand for Flexible Office Space
For many small business owners, finding a suitable workspace presents a significant challenge. The need often falls somewhere between a home office and leasing an entire commercial building. The Outlet was established to fill this gap in Albert Lea by offering professional, private office spaces on a rental basis.
Owner Jodi Hartman identified the need for expansion in the spring when all six offices at the original South Broadway location were occupied. "We were looking to expand the business as all six private offices in the original location were filled," Hartman stated, explaining the motivation behind the search for a second property.
The availability of the historic building on North Broadway provided a timely solution. According to Hartman, the property was an ideal fit for the company's growth. "It was a good expansion, a natural expansion," she said. The new location directly addresses the increasing demand from local entrepreneurs seeking a professional environment without the commitment of a long-term commercial lease.
A Historic Building Gets New Life
The new facility is housed in a historic building, a feature that Hartman was keen to preserve. After purchasing the property in June, she coordinated with contractors and designers for minor updates throughout July. The goal was to refresh the space while maintaining its original character.
"It is fun to share the history of the building and the use that we’re going to use it for," Hartman explained. She emphasized that the building's historical elements are a key part of its appeal. Many original features remain intact, offering a unique workspace for tenants and visitors.
From Family Need to Business Venture
Jodi Hartman's journey with The Outlet began six years ago. Her husband, Beau, required an office for his law practice, Hartman Law. They found the original building on South Broadway, which offered the professional atmosphere they sought but was too large for a single firm. Hartman decided to acquire the building, use a portion for the law practice, and rent the remaining offices. The building already had the name "The Outlet," which she chose to keep.
An opening event was held in August during a local Wind Down Wednesday celebration. Hartman noted that community members were interested in seeing how the historic downtown building had been adapted. "People like to see the history of the buildings and how they’ve been redone or updated or touched up and still have their character," she said.
Fostering Community Among Entrepreneurs
Beyond providing physical space, The Outlet aims to cultivate a sense of community among its tenants. Hartman has observed that professionals from different businesses working within the same building often form valuable connections and friendships, reducing the isolation that can come with running a small enterprise.
"There’s actually a community growing within the buildings of small businesses connecting and having friendships. Even though they’re not business partners, they just work in the same office." - Jodi Hartman, Owner of The Outlet
This community-building effort extends to the broader Albert Lea business scene. The Outlet actively participates in city events, such as hosting pop-up shops during the fall Sip ’n Stroll at its South Broadway location. "We like to be a part of the community and help foster relationships amongst other small businesses," Hartman said. "It’s just community-building."
New Facility at a Glance
- Location: 137 N. Broadway Ave., Albert Lea
- Private Offices: 6
- Conference Room: 1 (available for hourly or daily rental)
- Occupancy: Four of the six new offices were rented at the time of publication.
- First Tenants: Moved in on August 1.
Supporting Albert Lea's Small Business Ecosystem
The expansion of The Outlet reflects a positive trend for small businesses in Albert Lea. The new location provides essential infrastructure, including six private offices and a spacious conference room that can be rented by the hour or day by any business, not just tenants.
Hartman, who was a stay-at-home mom for many years before taking over The Outlet, views the business as a manageable way to re-enter the professional world while maintaining a balanced life. She noted that operating a business in a smaller town allows for active participation in family and community activities.
Now, her older children also assist with running the business. This family involvement and commitment to community underscore The Outlet's role as more than just a landlord. It functions as a support system and a hub for local entrepreneurs, contributing to the vitality of downtown Albert Lea.
For more information on office or conference room rentals, visit The Outlet's official website at theoutletmn.com.