A newly revitalized center in the historic Jacob Schmidt Brewing Company Keg House on West Seventh Street is expected to open to the public later this month.
St. Paul-based Outlaw Development has spent the last year converting the building into Keg House Commons, a fitness, wellness, arts and event hub. The space was most recently home to Keg & Case Market.
The $3.2 million project began in November 2025, according to Dalton Outlaw, developer and co-owner of Keg House Commons. Interior renovations include repurposing and demolishing some Keg & Case structures and dividing the space.
“I think it’s very important that local ownership takes part in historic movements, historic revitalizations,” Outlaw said.
Outlaw wanted to keep the building’s historic name and energy while adding the social focus he established in his first business. He is the founder and CEO of Element Boxing and Fitness, a purpose-driven gym that prioritizes belonging.
His goal is for Keg House Commons to be a third space for his community. Being from St. Paul drives his desire to create genuine opportunities for local residents, he said.
“I’m hyper-intentional about how my focus is here because me being in the position I am, as a mentor, as a leader, as a community developer, it’s important to have those young people see those same things, have other organizations, individuals be inspired by Black ownership to see that this is possible,” he said.
Outlaw Development acquired the property in April. Growing up, Outlaw said, he didn’t know owning anything was possible.
“I’m changing the trajectory of my kids’ future, other people’s future, by being able to be in a position of ownership, to build equity and generational wealth,” he said. “I think it’s vitally important that we take these old buildings, these amazing assets, and transform them into community hubs and destinations that can be a place for people to connect, belong and share experiences.”
With Element Boxing and Fitness, local vendors and a variety of flexible spaces, Outlaw wants visitors to come and stay. The team’s vision is to make the location a true destination.
Element Boxing and Fitness will relocate from 809 E. Seventh St. to serve as the building’s anchor, with boxing and fitness equipment along with a Pilates and barre studio.
The completed space will include a sports lounge with an upper level, an outdoor patio, televisions and a designated outdoor area for partner food trailers. The lounge will also be open during the day as a coworking space.
The building will also have an event space with a full bar and kitchen that can host up to 500 people, along with outdoor green space planned for community runs, bike rides and live music next spring.
LifeJuices will also be in the space, along with a new coffee vendor that will fill the gap left when the market’s previous coffee shop closed.
A repaved parking lot will host pop-up markets and neighborhood activities.
“People are looking for experiences,” Outlaw said.
Saving the building from foreclosure required significant capital and strategic partnerships.
“There were a lot of late nights trying to get this closed,” said Shawn Devine, Outlaw’s business partner.
Financing included a grant from the GroundBreak Coalition, facilitated by LISC Twin Cities (Local Initiatives Support Corporation). Outlaw previously completed LISC’s inaugural Emerging Developers Cohort and has developed four local housing projects.
Co-founder Michael Floyd and financial partner Sunrise Banks also provided key support.
For more information on GroundBreak Coalition, visit https://groundbreakcoalition.org/.
