Graco, a Minnesota-based fluid-handling manufacturer, has been experiencing rapid growth in recent years, requiring more space for its manufacturing and distribution services. Phase one of the expansion in their French Lake campus in Dayton, MN, included a 538,000 sq ft manufacturing facility and office. Phase two was the creation of Graco Distribution Center, a 530,000 sq ft warehouse with a 30,000 sq ft office area. The Graco Distribution Center embodies a meticulous blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, strategically designed to accommodate the company's operational needs with a striking building that prominently portrays the Graco brand, with dynamic accented blue lighting at night.

The distribution center’s structure uses prefabricated panels for the building envelope. While most of the panels span over 41 ft tall, the office area near the entrance reaches as tall as 47 ft. Each panel incorporates a blend of finishes, including acid etch, sandblast and waterwash, with deliberate projections that create a varied and dynamic industrial aesthetic facade. A key design element was the use of a black mix between the office area’s windows, forming a subtle vertical strip that complements the surrounding architectural rhythm. By incorporating this subtle yet impactful detail, the project achieves a cohesive visual identity while effectively delineating different functional zones within the facility. Additionally, the exterior subtly complements the larger manufacturing facility nearby with its similar vertical lines and coloring.