Though the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Preservation Conference ended in October, the effects of the training and lessons learned are still being felt today.  Preservation Alliance of Minnesota Scholarship Winner Susanne Crane recently made news in Albert Lea, Minnesota for her efforts to bring ArtSpace to Albert Lea, after Susanne learned about ArtSpace at the Conference.  The full story from KIMT News 3 in Albert Lea follows:

Art Space Could Come to southern Minnesota by Cristina Frank
KIMT News 3

 Albert Lea - A creative place for artists could be coming to southern Minnesota. Some hope a fresh coat of paint will make the downtown more vivid. And this could all be coming to Albert Lea.

Susanne Crane is very creative. She makes her living as an artist.  “I come from an art family. My mom was a musician in Europe. And….I guess basically art is my life,” Crane said.

While attending a historic preservation conference in Saint Paul, she thought a non-profit group called “Art Space” could help Albert Lea.”Decided that this is something that could really help grow the art scene in Albert Lea. And they have this incredible way of helping an economy. And we have the buildings, so it seemed like a good fit,” Crane said.

“Art Space” takes buildings and turns them into affordable places where any kind of artist can live and work. The city of Albert Lea is working together with the group to set up one of those facilities here. Along with living units, it would include retail space.

“So that’s really the biggest economic push for the community is that we bring in 30 or 40 people to live in our downtown. Which automatically creates a need for different business,” Albert Lea City Manager Victoria Simonsen said.

In the beginning of May, ”Art Space” will be coming to downtown Albert Lea to check out several buildings for the project. One of those locations is the Freeborn Bank Building. Some say the project could bring more life and energy to Albert Lea’s downtown.”Are known for our galleries and our creativity and a tourist economy that is both recreational and cultural. And I do believe we can have it all here,” Crane said. After the groups visit in May, the city will decide if the project will go ahead. Albert Lea’s City Manager says tax credits and low income housing funds will pay for the project.