Fast-growing New Mexico arts startup Meow Wolf, which is bringing its immersive experiences to several major U.S. cities, is planning a massive expansion in its hometown of Santa Fe.
Last month, the company filed plans with the city for a four-story, 75,000-square-foot office addition to its local manufacturing facility, 2600 Camino Entrada, confirmed city of Santa Fe Land Use Department Planner Manager Noah Berke. The company is also scouting sites of city-owned property near the facility for additional parking, Berke added. Employees will use the space to create art for its slated installations in other cities, Business First previously reported.
Meow Wolf spokeswoman Laura Hudman said it was too early to disclose project details.
The expansion would more than double the size of the 52,000-square-foot former Caterpillar plant, which Meow Wolf purchased in 2017 with the help of its lenders and investment partners, according to Santa Fe New Mexican reporting.
That same year, the state and Santa Fe announced Meow Wolf would receive $1.1 million in Local Economic Development Act funding, paving a path for 250 full-time jobs over five years at the art-focused plant. The building houses various company operations including welding, sculpture, film and virtual reality, Business First reported, and will support Meow Wolf projects in other locations.
Meow Wolf has announced planned permanent exhibits in Denver; District of Columbia; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Phoenix.
The state also has committed to contribute over $2.3 million in Job Training Incentive Program funds for the creation of 150 Meow Wolf positions, New Mexico Economic Development data shows. It is unclear if this new development will mean new jobs for the company.
Meow Wolf’s proposal will be heard Aug. 19 at an Early Neighborhood Notification meeting, held so residents of potentially impacted residential areas can discuss planned projects over 30,000 square feet in size. Following that meeting, the startup could apply for permits with the city of Santa Fe Planning Commission, Berke said.
The news comes three months after Meow Wolf posted a $158 million funding round with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the largest round Business First found filed by a New Mexico startup with the SEC over the past decade. CEO Vince Kadlubek previously told Business First the money would be used for its Denver and Las Vegas expansions.
The arts company also recently spurred criticism from its crowdfunding investors when it announced it would be buying back their stock for $83.70 per share, with some saying they contributed with the hopes of reaping the benefits of the company’s aggressive long-term growth plans.
Take a look at our cover story for a more in-depth look at what Meow Wolf’s ambitions could mean for the local business community.
By: Collin Krabbe (ABQ Business Journal)
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