News
August 24, 2025

Greiner Breaks Ground on Hayward Coworking Hub

Caroline Raffetto

HAYWARD, Wis. — After years of vacancy at a prominent downtown corner, Greiner Construction has broken ground on The Lumber Exchange, a 10,000-square-foot coworking and gathering hub that will transform the corner of Main Street and Highway 63.

The project marks a major step in Hayward’s efforts to revitalize its historic downtown while supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders. For over 15 years, the site sat unused, though it once held some of the city’s earliest and most iconic landmarks — the Pion Hotel, Giblin Hotel, Walker Hotel, and the Hayward Building.

When completed in summer 2026, The Lumber Exchange will offer a mix of private offices, coworking stations, conference rooms, phone booths, an event venue, and a second-level outdoor deck overlooking Main Street. A coffee bar will anchor the space, creating a central meeting point for both professionals and community members.

In addition to workspace, the facility is designed to become a hub for community programming, educational workshops, and networking events, blending business activity with cultural and civic engagement.

Two anchor tenants have already signed on to long-term leases:

  • The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association, a key driver of the region’s outdoor recreation economy.
  • The Sawyer County/Lac Courte Oreilles Economic Development Corp., which works to foster growth and investment in the local community.
For Carson Kipfer, the project’s lead developer, The Lumber Exchange represents a first step into commercial real estate after years of experience building technology companies in the sports and insurance sectors. “This project is about creating a space where people can work, connect, and build something new for the Hayward community,” Kipfer said.

The project team includes Cuningham as lead architect and Spider Lake Trading as a development partner.

Local officials and business advocates have praised the development as a catalyst for economic growth and downtown renewal. In smaller communities like Hayward, coworking models are seen as a way to attract remote workers, support small businesses, and provide flexible options for nonprofits and startups that may not need traditional office space.

With construction now underway, community leaders view The Lumber Exchange not only as a building but as a symbol of Hayward’s ability to honor its history while investing in its future.

Originally reported by Rebusiness Online.

News
August 24, 2025

Greiner Breaks Ground on Hayward Coworking Hub

Caroline Raffetto
New Project
Wisconsin

HAYWARD, Wis. — After years of vacancy at a prominent downtown corner, Greiner Construction has broken ground on The Lumber Exchange, a 10,000-square-foot coworking and gathering hub that will transform the corner of Main Street and Highway 63.

The project marks a major step in Hayward’s efforts to revitalize its historic downtown while supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and community leaders. For over 15 years, the site sat unused, though it once held some of the city’s earliest and most iconic landmarks — the Pion Hotel, Giblin Hotel, Walker Hotel, and the Hayward Building.

When completed in summer 2026, The Lumber Exchange will offer a mix of private offices, coworking stations, conference rooms, phone booths, an event venue, and a second-level outdoor deck overlooking Main Street. A coffee bar will anchor the space, creating a central meeting point for both professionals and community members.

In addition to workspace, the facility is designed to become a hub for community programming, educational workshops, and networking events, blending business activity with cultural and civic engagement.

Two anchor tenants have already signed on to long-term leases:

  • The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association, a key driver of the region’s outdoor recreation economy.
  • The Sawyer County/Lac Courte Oreilles Economic Development Corp., which works to foster growth and investment in the local community.
For Carson Kipfer, the project’s lead developer, The Lumber Exchange represents a first step into commercial real estate after years of experience building technology companies in the sports and insurance sectors. “This project is about creating a space where people can work, connect, and build something new for the Hayward community,” Kipfer said.

The project team includes Cuningham as lead architect and Spider Lake Trading as a development partner.

Local officials and business advocates have praised the development as a catalyst for economic growth and downtown renewal. In smaller communities like Hayward, coworking models are seen as a way to attract remote workers, support small businesses, and provide flexible options for nonprofits and startups that may not need traditional office space.

With construction now underway, community leaders view The Lumber Exchange not only as a building but as a symbol of Hayward’s ability to honor its history while investing in its future.

Originally reported by Rebusiness Online.