1. History of Brett’s Department Store
By:
Megan Vossen and
Nicole Jehorek
Group #24

2. How Everything Got Started

3. George Everett Brett Born in Strong, Maine in 1845
Came to Winona, Minnesota at the age of 17
Eventually transferred to Mankato in 1868
Formed the corporation known as Geo. E. Brett, Inc.
The store name was George E. Brett Dry Goods
It was on the corner of Front and Jackson Streets
The name of Brett’s became well-known within a 100 mile radius of Mankato
Brett had the first delivery truck in town
Only store at that time, in Mankato, with an escalator
He sang tenor in the church choir at the Presbyterian Church.
He was a stockholder and served on the board of directors at the First National Bank

4. George Everett Brett continued
Newspaper clippings circa called the Brett family “one of Mankato’s patrician families...who are social and political leaders”
George Brett died suddenly in 1915
James Edwin Brett, George’s son, took over management of the store and stayed until 1958
Then Brett Taylor, James’ nephew took over until 1971
Management passed through the Taylor family until it closed

5. Taylor Family Home in Mankato
227 Lincoln Street
Now home to Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house

6. Businesses that have served the Mankato area for more than 100 years
Brett's Department Store (1858)
First Bank (1868)
Martin and Hoerr Jewelers (1870)
Norwest Bank (1872)
First Federal Savings and Loan (1881)
Theodore Williams Insurance Company (1883)
August Deike Transfer, Inc. (1886)
Hilltop Florists (1886)
Cheever and Asleson Architecture (1878)

7. Brett’s Department Store
In 1992 Brett's Department Store closed after 124 years in retail. George E. Brett established the Empire Store in 1868 on Front Street in Mankato.

8. Ideas for the Brett’s Building
Office Space
Technology Center
Apartments
Condominiums
Retail Units
Hotel

9. Gordon Awsumb (Awsumb & Associates) Idea:
The restoration of the historic Brett's Building is underway. Our aim is to make it the most appealing office space in town.
The building's classic features, large windows, high ceilings and rich architectural details, are being highlighted in the restoration work. However, Twenty-First Century electrical and mechanical systems and high-speed Internet access are also being installed.
The airy interior spaces and the central, highly visible downtown location across from the Midwest Wireless Civic Center will provide a distinctive setting for professionals and service businesses.
Adjacent parking is free and plentiful.
Plans call for occupancy to be available in the spring of 2003.

10. Pictures of Brett’s

11. Overview
George Everett Brett started Brett’s Dry Goods, which later became Brett’s Department Store
The Brett/Taylor family continued managing the store after George passed away
Brett’s Department Store closed it’s doors in 1992 after 124 years of service to the Mankato area
New plans are being created for the existing building and what should be placed there

12. THE END ANY QUESTIONS