Hormel Foods Corporate Office South and Spam Museum

The complete exterior and interior renovation of this abandoned former big-box retail store in Austin has rejuvenated the downtown area. The building is now home to the Spam Museum, an international tourist destination, and Hormel’s corporate office.

The north end of the building -- once the auto service wing for a Kmart store-- is now a 24,000 square foot Museum and Interpretive Center designed to reflect a “farmer’s market” image, giving homage to Hormel’s long-standing historical ties to the agricultural community. The Museum includes exhibit space, a large lobby to accommodate group gatherings, an auditorium/theater, diner/coffee shop, retail space for Spam memorabilia and an outdoor child's play area. Red brick, arched windows, and gable roof, a blue metal roof and awnings and blue and yellow signage represent the colors of the SPAM logo, all create a playful, colorful space.

The south end of the renovated facility includes 53,000 square feet of office space, featuring executive offices, open office area, secured reception waiting area, workrooms, conference rooms and an employee fitness center. Because the client didn’t want to confuse customers, the entry to Hormel Foods Corporation is more conservative than the north end, complete with a separate entry and different signage. Common masonry ties the Museum and the Headquarters together.

The renovation has received local and national publicity for its unique and fun Museum displays, has received design recognition by Architecture Minnesota magazine and was featured in Commercial Investment Real Estate magazine.

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