SAINT PAUL — The Department of Administration has contracted with Thor Construction to repair water damaged sections of the Minnesota State Office Building. The water damage occurred in the early hours of July 7 when a ruptured water valve leaked water above the building’s fourth floor.

Construction will begin on damaged sections of the building on Monday, August 8. Five floors in the building’s east corridor were impacted by the July 7 water damage. The approximately $1.4 million contract will consist primarily of reinstalling sheetrock, plaster, carpet and ceiling tiles, and duct replacement. Construction is estimated to be completed by mid-October.

“We are pleased to partner with a nationally recognized construction firm with a strong commitment to excellence and workforce diversity,” said Administration Commissioner Matt Massman. “As a small entrepreneur, Thor Construction was an early participant in Minnesota’s Targeted Group Small Business Program and since grown to be the Twin Cities’ largest minority-owned company.”

The Minneapolis-based Thor Construction is among the nation’s largest African-American owned construction companies. The company was founded in 1980 and specializes in general contracting, construction management, design-build, consulting, and concrete. Local projects include U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minneapolis Central Library, and work at the Veterans Administration’s Minneapolis Medical Center.

The State Office Building was originally built in 1932 as a seven-story building with two interior courtyards. In 1985, two floors were added and the courtyards filled in to create hearing rooms and additional office space. The building is managed by the Department of Administration and is home to legislative offices and the Secretary of State.