Beyond the Skyline: Q&A with Julie Sjordal

After a humble start decades ago in a church basement, St. David’s Center has experienced rapid growth and is making big moves to address its space needs.

The organization – which offers early intervention, mental health, and pediatric therapies – purchased the 124,000-square-foot former YWCA at 1130 Nicollet Mall in Minneapolis this year and is working on a multiphase plan to remodel the building. St. David’s, which has 2,000 children on its wait list for services, hopes to complete all phases by the end of 2026.

Founded in the 1960s as a preschool in an Episcopal church basement, St. David’s is a regional leader in child and family development. The organization serves 6,500 children, parents, and adults annually.

In this interview, St. David’s CEO Julie Sjordal talks about the YWCA acquisition and remodel, how the sale came together and why it was more complicated than a typical real estate transaction. She also discusses the organization’s $30 million capital campaign, a previous expansion of the St. David’s Center’s campus in Minnetonka, and more.