The corner of Main Street and Highway 63 is being transformed into The Lumber Exchange, a multi-use community gathering space honoring Hayward’s history.

The Lumber Exchange: A Destination Co-working Experience That Is Honoring Hayward’s Past While Shaping Its Future

In every great community, there are places that become more than buildings. They become gathering places, landmarks, and symbols of what’s possible. In Downtown Hayward WI, The Lumber Exchange is being built to become exactly that.

Rising on the prominent corner of Main Street and Highway 63, The Lumber Exchange represents far more than a new development. It is a thoughtful investment in Hayward’s future while paying tribute to the community’s rich lumber heritage, entrepreneurial spirit, and enduring sense of connection.

 

A Historic Corner with a New Purpose

Long before modern-day Hayward became known for its lakes, trails, outdoor recreation, and thriving downtown, this corner served as one of the community’s most important gathering places.

Over the years, the site was home to several historic hotels that welcomed travelers arriving by train and served as social and civic hubs for the growing town. The Pion Hotel, Giblin Hotel, Walker Hotel, and Hayward Building all played a role in shaping the story of early Hayward. More recently, the property sat vacant for many years, waiting for a new chapter to begin.

Today, that chapter is taking shape through The Lumber Exchange.

 

More Than a Building

At first glance, many people see a beautiful new structure under construction. But the vision behind The Lumber Exchange goes much deeper.

The project was created to provide a destination coworking experience designed specifically for Hayward and the Northwoods. As remote work continues to grow and entrepreneurship expands beyond major metropolitan areas, there is an increasing need for professional, flexible workspaces in rural communities. The Lumber Exchange is being designed to meet that need while embracing the lifestyle that makes Hayward unique.

When completed, the building will offer:

• Flexible coworking spaces
• Private offices
• Conference and meeting rooms
• Community gathering spaces
• Event and workshop facilities
• An espresso bar and coffee gathering area
• Outdoor deck space overlooking Main Street
• Networking and community programming opportunities

The goal is simple: create a place where work, creativity, leadership, and community can thrive together.

 

Designed Around Hayward’s Identity

One of the most unique aspects of The Lumber Exchange is how intentionally it reflects the character of Hayward itself.

Rather than creating a generic office building, the project team chose to honor the area’s lumber industry roots and Northwoods architecture. The design incorporates historic influences, reclaimed materials, wood craftsmanship, brick detailing, and elements inspired by the lodges, gathering places, and commercial buildings that helped define Northern Wisconsin communities for generations.

Even during construction, materials from the previous structure were carefully reclaimed and repurposed whenever possible. This commitment to preservation and stewardship reflects a desire to carry pieces of the past into the future. Read more about progress, features, craftmanship and updates on their website The Lumber Exchange.

The Vision of the Co-Owners

At the heart of The Lumber Exchange are co-founders Carson and Amanda Kipfer, who share a deep appreciation for the Hayward area and its future potential.

Their vision is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: meaningful work, innovation, and entrepreneurship don’t have to happen only in large cities. They believe the Northwoods deserves a place where professionals, business owners, nonprofits, community leaders, creatives, and visitors can gather, collaborate, and grow while enjoying the quality of life that the Hayward area offers.

Having experienced firsthand the draw of Hayward’s lakes, forests, and community spirit, they saw an opportunity to create a space that strengthens downtown while serving the evolving needs of today’s workforce.

A New Community Gathering Place

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of The Lumber Exchange is what it hopes to represent.

It is not simply an office building.

It is intended to become a gathering place where ideas are exchanged, businesses are launched, partnerships are formed, and community connections are strengthened.

It is designed for local entrepreneurs building the next chapter of their businesses. It is designed for remote workers who want professional space without leaving the Northwoods. It is designed for nonprofits, organizations, and community leaders working to make Hayward even stronger. It is designed for visitors who want to extend their stay and blend work with a little vacation.

In many ways, The Lumber Exchange echoes the role that historic gathering places were once housed on this very corner—bringing people together around opportunity, conversation, and community.

Building for Generations to Come

As construction continues and anticipation grows, The Lumber Exchange is already becoming a symbol of investment in Downtown Hayward WI.

The project honors the people who built Hayward’s past while creating opportunities for those who will shape its future. It celebrates craftsmanship, community, entrepreneurship, and the enduring spirit of the Northwoods.

When the doors open, The Lumber Exchange will stand as more than a coworking destination. It will be a reminder that great communities continue to evolve while staying connected to the stories that made them what they are today.

For Hayward, The Lumber Exchange represents a bridge between history and possibility—and a bold statement that the future of the Northwoods is being built right here on Main Street.

 

OPENING DATE: Scheduled for October 2026!

Read more about the Lumber Exchange, it’s space, co-working options, and all of the opportunities the new building provides > The Lumber Exchange

 

Written / Photos By: Wendy Miller, Social Media Manager ~Haylo Design