The Republican Party of Minnesota is moving out of the power zone that surrounds the state Capitol in St. Paul and heading into a Minneapolis neighborhood where residents are likely to have more allegiance to the DFL.

On Jan. 31, the GOP headquarters moves from 525 Park St. to 2200 E. Franklin Ave. in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. Nearby are the University of Minnesota and Augsburg College and the Christo Rey and Minnesota Transitions charter high schools.

Party Chair Keith Downey says the move across town and demographic sectors was a strategic decision as well a financial one.

“We are trying to send a signal that’s real and substantive,” Downey said in an interview. “Frankly our ideas and solutions are right for new American immigrants, people struggling with employment, and students.”

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From a practical standpoint, he said, the space is more technologically advanced, a third less in cost and well-located in terms of highway access.

Downey said the headquarters is likely to host an open house after he and the staff gets settled but that he does not intend to wait to get involved in the community.

“Just the fact that you are in the neighborhood, there are opportunities to serve the neighborhood,” he said.