ALP Utilities building new operations center

ALP Utilities plans to break ground later this year on its new operations center, shown in this artist rendering.

ALP Utilities in Alexandria, Minnesota, is moving forward with plans to build a new operations center to address growing community demands. According to a news release from ALP, construction of the 41,000-square-foot building is set to begin later this summer and is expected to be completed by fall 2025. The project, estimated to cost $14 million, is part of the first phase of a strategic capital improvement plan. This plan also includes adding new power generation facilities, a pole yard, a substation, and a water tower over the next decade.

ALP's existing headquarters, built in 1967, no longer meets the needs of Alexandria's growing population, which has now exceeded 15,000. The new operations center aims to streamline operations, enhance employee safety and improve storage capabilities, all while addressing issues with the utility's aging infrastructure that has struggled to keep pace with service demands.

ALP Utilities General Manager Ted Cash emphasized the necessity of this investment, stating that the new building will protect assets, reduce travel time and ensure reliable service during severe weather events. The design also incorporates modern accessibility features to better accommodate employees and customers, and it will position ALP to continue meeting Alexandria's needs for decades to come.