Donlar Construction

09/02/2026

TRUE or FALSE: Hard Hats Don't Expire

FALSE: Though built to be tough, hard hats do expire.

Manufacturers recommend replacing them at least every five years, or sooner, depending upon use and exposure. Sunlight, heat, chemicals and rough treatment can weaken the materials and reduce their ability to protect from impact and even certain levels of electrical exposure. Safety Tip: Inspect your hard hat before each use for cracks, dents, brittleness or other signs of damage. When in doubt, change it out.

08/26/2026

Building a strong construction industry starts with finding, developing, and retaining great people. Donlar supports MBEX and opportunities like the Construction Talent Acquisition Conference that help strengthen our workforce for the future.

Ask any contractor what keeps them up at night, and we bet "skilled labor," "needing to hire," and "we could have used 3 more folks on that job today" are a few thoughts circling the top of the list.

Companies are competing harder for the same shrinking pool of skilled workers, and the strategies that may have worked five years ago are just not cutting it anymore.

Project Build Minnesota is addressing this industry hurdle directly with their Construction Talent Acquisition Conference on September 2.

Held at the The Builders Group in Eagan, it's a full day dedicated to the work of finding and keeping good people on your crews, including hiring strategies, retention tools, and honest conversations among peers.

MBEX is proud to be a sponsor of this event, and if your hiring strategy needs a reset, this is a great place to start.

Learn more and register here: https://projectbuildminnesota36.wildapricot.org/event-6704173

08/21/2026

INTEGRITY - Do the Right Thing, Even When No One is Looking

08/11/2026

Exciting progress is underway with the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe! Donlar is proud to be partnering with FSST on these important projects that will support the community well into the future.

At the new Wellness Center, footing walls are taking shape and the project is beginning to rise from the ground. Meanwhile, work at the Tribal Services Center is moving forward with demolition of the two existing buildings now underway.

Multiple projects with collaborating teams—One shared vision: Building spaces that strengthen community, wellness, and service for the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. We’re excited to see the momentum building and watch these projects come to life! DSGW Architecture | Hausmann Construction | ClarkDrew

08/06/2026

The Harbor Light Center has served the Twin Cities for more than 100 years. Originally built as a Dayton’s warehouse, today it is home to the Salvation Army Northern Division’s Harbor Light Center—the largest homeless shelter in Minnesota.

Donlar is proud to be renovating the fourth floor along with the kitchen and dining areas, helping modernize a building that provides safety, stability, and hope for thousands of people each year.

From demolition to the finished product, every stage matters. It’s rewarding to help give a historic building—and the people it serves—a fresh start.

From preconstruction and estimating through construction management and general contracting, we’re proud to partner on projects that strengthen our communities. The Salvation Army USA

07/30/2026

At the height of summer, there are few rewards better than a day on the water—especially on beautiful Lake of the Woods.

Following the Midwest Builders Exchange (MBEX) annual retreat, Donlar's Director of Operations, Kevin Bohrer, joined fellow MBEX Board Directors for a little well-earned time on the lake. While the retreat focused on advancing the mission of MBEX and strengthening Minnesota's construction industry, the fishing trip was a fitting reminder that strong relationships are built both in and outside the boardroom.

Thank you, Kevin, for your leadership and continued commitment to the industry.

07/24/2026

We're excited to be be underway with renovation work at the Cold Spring City Hall & Police Complex! It is our pleasure to work again with the city as they make further upgrades improving infrastructure to better serve their community. | City of Cold Spring HMA Architects

07/13/2026

Extreme heat is a serious jobsite hazard. Heat-related illnesses can happen quickly and become life-threatening. Stay hydrated, recognize the signs of heat stress, take breaks when needed, and watch out for your coworkers. Safety starts with all of us.

07/09/2026

Preserving history requires more than restoring a building—it means protecting the stories and craftsmanship that define it.

Donlar is honored to work with the Minnesota Historical Society on the historic preservation of the Alexander Ramsey House in Saint Paul. Every detail and material selection is carefully considered to preserve this landmark, ensuring future generations can experience and learn from Minnesota’s history for decades to come.

07/07/2026

Congratulations to Snow Kreilich Architects on this well-deserved recognition! This award is a testament to a thoughtful vision brought to life through the leadership of the City of Saint Paul -Saint Paul Parks & Recreation and a strong commitment to creating an exceptional community space.

Donlar is proud to have partnered with Snow Kreilich Architects and the City of Saint Paul - Saint Paul Parks and Recreation in bringing this award-winning project to life. Congratulations to everyone involved!

North End Community Center has been named the 2026 Architizer A+ Awards Popular Choice Winner in the Community Center category. With entries from 80+ countries, the Popular Choice Winner is selected by the voting public.

This space has been a source of neighborhood pride since it opened in 2024, and we're humbled that it has also resonated with voters from across the world. Thank you to all who supported!

Client: Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
Architect: Snow Kreilich Architects ⁠
Landscape Architect: Saint Paul Parks and Recreation
Builder: Donlar Construction
Photographer: Corey Gaffer