SchoolMint celebrates the newly remodeled downtown facility with a ribbon cutting
SchoolMint relocated from San Francisco to Lafayette with a ribbon cutting of the newly remodeled corporate headquarters downtown.
The software company is the national leader in helping schools to attract and improve enrollment for K-12 students. SchoolMint is the latest company to create jobs in downtown Lafayette’s growing technology sector.
SchoolMint moved to Lafayette seeking a permanent location in the summer of 2022 while temporarily occupying the old Daily Advertiser building at 1100 Bertrand Drive and then the Lemoine Building at 214 Jefferson St. After considering 14 locations, an agreement with the Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority (LPTFA) to renovate a historic warehouse property in downtown Lafayette became definitive.
The SchoolMint headquarters is at 319 Monroe St. and was built in the 1950s by Horace Rickey Sr., a New Orleans native, who built more than 1,300 buildings in the Lafayette area. The renovation of the warehouse reflects a modern state-of-the-art work environment, while preserving the character of the original warehouse.
Lafayette-based architectural firm ACSW worked with the project to design a space that features exposed beams, high ceilings, concrete flooring, large ceiling cranes, raw materials, and construction-themed design.
“The Trust has made many important investments in the City of Lafayette over the years, but restoring this warehouse for SchoolMint is a major milestone," said LPTFA’s Executive Director Kevin Blanchard. We are excited to have them as tenants and partners in helping build a better city.”
The facility will house SchoolMint’s Lafayette-based sales, marketing, finance, IT and engineering teams. It features modern amenities, including a fully equipped gym, lounge area mezzanine, collaborative workspaces, kitchen spaces, on-site parking and more.
“This move represents a significant milestone for our company and demonstrates our commitment to investing in the communities we serve," CEO Bryan McDonald said. "Lafayette is an ideal location for our headquarters, with its vibrant culture, business-friendly environment and talented workforce. In fact, this facility and our presence is proof that the unique value, vision and commitment that Lafayette and Louisiana offer are real and compelling.
"We thought it's time for us to put down our roots and find the kind of community that would really support our growth and help us in our vision."
The company partnered with local and state agencies, including Louisiana State Economic Development Agency, Lafayette Public Trust Financing Authority, Louisiana Economic Development, One Acadiana and the Downtown Development Authority to help support the project.
"As the technology sectors continue to grow in Lafayette, the ribbon cutting today further solidifies our community's position as a premiere technology hub in the south," said Mandy Mitchell, LEDA president. "SchoolMint has contributed to this by bringing quality employment opportunities right here in downtown Lafayette."
"This company is everything Lafayette needs," Mayor Josh Guillory said. "It helps diversify our economy, helps with education, workforce development, and innovation. Bryan picked a wonderful home called downtown Lafayette."
The completely renovated facility will support SchoolMint’s continued growth, allowing SchoolMint to better serve customers across the country.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: SchoolMint Opens New Headquarters in Downtown Lafayette
