‘Force on Fifth’ Celebrates Grand Opening in Downtown Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Force on Fifth Avenue held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday to celebrate the grand opening of its extended stay corporate housing project in downtown Duluth.

Courtesy: Force on Fifth

Originally, the multi-story building at the corner of 5th Avenue West and Superior Street was going to continue as a non-profit office center, which it was known for years in that format as the Ordean Building.

But between flood damage to the heating system and Covid 19’s impacts, plans had to change.

Developer Brian Forcier, president and CEO of Titanium Partners, said it made sense to bring more housing downtown.

“Traditionally, people are used to one-year leases … post- Covid. [But] what we’re finding is, that doesn’t work for people anymore. We’re more transient, and we want to experience different locations because, quite frankly, we can work remotely now where we couldn’t before. And so, what we’re seeing – demand is really a six-month rental or below,” Forcier explained.

The building features 30 extended-stay suites for business travelers, people still figuring out their longer-term housing, and other extended-stay guests.

The modern suites feature fully equipped kitchenettes and premium amenities.

The project is 100 percent privately developed.  No public dollars were used.

Click here for more from Forcier during a first look of Force on Fifth with FOX 21 in July