Around the time the Port Authority began redevelopment of what would become the Williams Hill Business Center, it also launched cleanup of a former petroleum tank farm near the Mississippi River at Shepard Road, in order to help manufacturer Plastics Inc. expand. That deal fell through as did several others over the next six years.

In 2003, the Port altered its strategy for this site and teamed up with Wellington Management, Inc. to develop an office/warehouse complex at the site. About the same time, lifelong Saint Paul resident Chris Lambert began working at Internet Broadcasting Systems, then based in Mendota Heights. “I knew and liked the Internet world after I co-founded an Internet venture in college. When I learned about Internet Broadcasting Systems, I was intrigued by the concept of packaging online media campaigns for local television stations,” said Lambert, who is the company’s advertising operations manager.

“My role is to ensure the smooth execution of online ad campaigns.” The concept proved lucrative for Internet Broadcast Systems, which soon outgrew two leased buildings in Mendota Heights. That led company founder Reid Johnson to look for space elsewhere.

In May 2007, Johnson announced that his company would lease an 80,000-square-foot building at River Bend — the Port’s newest business center.

“This is a much more creative space and a much more interesting location than we’re used to — particularly with the river nearby,” Lambert said.