Friday, August 22, 2008

6:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Tickets: $50 per person for Alliance members / $60 for nonmembers

Proceeds benefit the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota

Mark your calendar now to be one of the first to celebrate the restoration of Minnesota’s beloved Foshay Tower, reopening in July as the W Hotel.  Join the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota at its annual sneak-peek fundraising event, where we bring you up close and personal with the latest preservation successes in our state.

Were you at the Westin??  The Foshay Soiree is modeled on the Alliance’s successful 2007 “Banking on Preservation” fundraiser, the first event held inside the restored Farmers & Mechanics Bank Building in Minneapolis, now the Westin Hotel.  Our members and friends loved this event so much, they asked for another–what better place than the Foshay?

Be on the inside–tour, savor, dance, and bid (and all for a good cause!).  Go behind the scenes with special VIP tours.  Devour signature hors d’oeuvres to the background sounds of a live band.  You’re the star on this dance floor after taking lessons from The Swing Cats, or sit back and watch as you bid on a range of swank auction items.

When can I buy tickets?  Watch our website, but we expect to have tickets on sale beginning in July.

How can I support this event?  Sponsorship opportunities are available, or make a donation to the auction.  Contact Bonnie McDonald at bmcdonald@mnpreservation.org for more information.

The Foshay Tower, designed by Leon Eugene Arnal of the firm of Magney & Tusler, was completed in 1929.  One of the city’s signature Art Deco jewels, its ceremonious opening was soon overshadowed by the stock market crash.  Credited as “the first skyscraper west of the Mississippi,” the 32-story Foshay and its mast antenna have been a fixture of the Minneapolis skyline.  The building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.  Work began in 2007 to convert the office tower into a W Hotel through the vision of developers Ralph Burnet and Ryan Companies US and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Proceeds from this event support the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, the statewide nonprofit working to protect historic places like the Foshay.  We would like to thank Ralph Burnet, Ryan Companies US, and the W Hotel for making the Foshay Tower available for this event.

June 7th - The Art of Stone Masonry
A workshop held at Dream Acres Farm, near Spring Valley in Fillmore County, is being lead by master mason Ted Wilson. Ted will teach step-by-step how to mix mortar to match existing mortar, teach how to repair and rebuild a barn foundation and also demonstrate how to lay the walls of a spring house. This class will be of great value for both the hands on person and for those who need to hire help and want to make sure the work is done right!

This workshop is $45 and includes lunch. Workshop will be held from 9:00 and - 5:00 pm. Please dress is appropriate work clothing, such as boots, work gloves and a hat. Tools will be provided. Reserve your spot by May 30, 2008 by calling 612.870.9775.

Other upcoming Friends of Minnesota Barn activities include:
June 14th - Barn Painting work day near Shafer, Chisago County
June 24th - Antique Woodworking presentation near Henderson, Sibley County
September 27th - Annual Barn Tour
November 22 - Harvest Banquet

Minnesota events recognizes historic properties during Sesquicentennial

(SAINT PAUL, MINN.-April 30, 2008) - In May 2008, Minnesotans will join thousands of individuals around the country in the nationwide celebration of National Preservation Month. “This Place Matters!” is the theme for this year’s month-long celebration, which celebrates the country’s diverse and irreplaceable heritage and encourages participation in local events that celebrate our communities.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation created Preservation Week in 1971 to spotlight grassroots preservation efforts in America. The event has grown into an annual, month-long celebration observed by communities from small towns to large cities with events ranging from architectural and historic tours and award ceremonies, to fundraising events, educational programs and heritage travel opportunities. Due to its overwhelming popularity, the National Trust extended the celebration to the entire month of May in 2005 declaring it Preservation Month. The lengthier event provides greater opportunity to celebrate our nation’s unique local heritage and enables more Americans to become involved in the growing preservation movement. For more information about National Preservation Month visit www.preservationnation.org/preservationmonth

In Minnesota, National Preservation Month uniquely coincides with our state’s 150th anniversary. The week of May 11- May 18 has been officially dubbed “Minnesota Sesquicentennial Week” and special activities throughout the state have been planned in celebration of Minnesota’s birthday. The following events celebrate our state’s shared cultural heritage and celebrate the role that historic properties play in creating vibrant communities:

CALENDAR EVENTS:

Week of Saturday April 26 - Sunday May 4

You Are There: Trial Reenactment of Alvin “Creepy” Karpis
Wednesday, April 30 and Thursday, May 1, 2008
7:00 pm
Landmark Center, Courtroom 317, Saint Paul
Event is free. Information at 651.292.3063 or www.landmarkcenter.org

Infamous St. Paul Gangster Alvin “Creepy” Karpis will haunt the very place he was tried, in a Landmark Center Trial Reenactment. In Walter Cronkite “You Are Here” segments the case unfolds as you hear from famous historical characters including Governor Floyd B. Olson, J. Edgar Hoover, the Barker gang, and more. Reception and book signing will follow the program both evenings. The Event is co-sponsored by William Mitchell College of Law. RSVP highly recommended.

2008 Ten Most Endangered Historic Places List Media Conference
Thursday, May 1, 2008
11:00 am - List announcement and exhibit unveiling
Peavey Plaza, corner of Nicollet Mall and 11th Street S., Minneapolis
Event is free. Information at 651.293.9047, www.mnpreservation.org

The Preservation Alliance of Minnesota announces the 2008 Ten Most Endangered Historic Places in Minnesota. This will be the 15th year that the Alliance has released its listing of the state’s most endangered historic properties. The Ten Most Endangered program is designed to shine a spotlight on historic sites and buildings that face imminent danger and to raise awareness about the potential to mitigate their destruction.

Steele County Historical Society to Host Open House, Exhibit Debut and Preservation Awards
Thursday, May 1, 2008
4:00 - 8:00 pm
The event is free.
Information at 507.451.1420

The Steele County Historical Society (SCHS) is pleased to announce its Open House on Thursday, May 1st from 4-8 pm. The public is invited to attend the first official opening day of the 2008 tour season. All the Village buildings will be open for the public to enjoy.

New this year is a special exhibit created in celebration of the State’s Sesquicentennial. The exhibit features specially chosen artifacts from throughout the Village that correlate Minnesota’s and Steele County’s history. A special timeline display will be featured in the Dunnell House and “fun facts” will also be distributed around the Village. A joint effort of Docent Dan Moeckly and Administrative Assistant, Dodie Ellingson, the exhibit will give visitors a different perspective of the Village. A trivia sheet will also be available for guests to test their skill and knowledge of history.

Also, that evening at 6:30 p.m., the 2008 Preservation Awards will be presented inside the Dunnell House. Two Steele County properties will be recognized for their preservation efforts.

Gateway to Greenway Tour
Saturday, May 3, 2008
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Federal Reserve Bank Plaza, Hennepin Avenue and First Street, Minneapolis
Event is $25. Information at 612-338-1987, www.preserveminneapolis.org

Be a tourist in your own town! Join guides Todd Grover and Frank Edgerton Martin on a walking tour of downtown Minneapolis that highlights Modern buildings and landscapes, and the preservation challenges many face. Tour stops include Bridge Square/Gateway Park, the Minneapolis Public Library, the IDS Center, Peavey Plaza, and the Loring Greenway. The tour will include a break for refreshments. This is a fundraiser to cover the costs of Preserve Minneapolis’ registration for federal non-profit status.

“Explore Your Opportunities”-Dayton’s Bluff First Annual Vacant Homes Tour
Saturday, May 3, 2008 (Noon to 5:00 p.m.)
Sunday, May 4, 2008 (1:00 to 5:00 p.m.)
Meet at 798 East 7th Street, Saint Paul
Contact Karin at the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council for more information: (651) 772-2075.

The Dayton’s Bluff Community Council Vacant Building Committee is hosting the first annual Dayton’s Bluff Vacant Home Tour. Sponsored by the Saint Paul Association of Realtors, the tour will highlight vacant homes in the historic Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood that have great redevelopment potential. Meet at 798 East 7th Street for free trolley rides to the tour sites.

Representatives from Historic Saint Paul will be on the tour with information about the Restore Saint Paul loan program and architectural sketches that demonstrate how the vacant homes’ facades might be enlivened.

Week of Monday May 5 - Sunday May 11

“Before the Teardown: Minneapolis in 1960″ Opening Reception
Thursday, May 8, 2008
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Mill City Museum, Minneapolis
This event is free

A public reception and talk by architecture critic Larry Millett will open the exhibit “Before the Teardown: Minneapolis in 1960″ a photographic look at Minneapolis on the eve of 1960s urban renewal from the Star Tribune archives. Remarks will take place at 7 p.m. A cash bar and light snacks are available. The exhibit is located in the museum’s central Mill Commons, and is free and open to the public during regular museum hours.

Retired Pioneer Press architecture critic Larry Millett has spent more than two decades exploring the architectural heritage of the Twin Cities. He is the author of “Lost Twin Cities,” “Twin Cities Then & Now” and the recent AIA Guide to the Twin Cities: The Essential Source on the Architecture of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Rochester National Preservation Month Press Conference
Friday, May 9, 2008
9:30 am
Rochester City Hall Rotunda, Rochester
Event is free. Information at 507.282.4389.

Join Rochester preservationists as Mayor Ardell Brede declares May as National Preservation month in Rochester in the rotunda of Rochester’s City Hall. Bonnie McDonald, Executive Director of the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota will speak about preservation and the Alliance’s 2008 Ten Most Endangered Historic Places list.

Tour the Armstrong-Quinlan House!
Friday, May 9, 2008
5:30 pm
225-229 Eagle Parkway (corner of Shepard Road), Saint Paul
The event is free.

Wine, cheese, an insider’s tour of a wonderful historic property-and an opportunity to mingle with friends of Historic Saint Paul and Preserve Minneapolis.

Built in 1886 by noted Saint Paul architect Edward Payson Bassford, the Historic Armstong-Quinlan house was moved in 2001 from its original site on Cleveland Circle to the edge of Irvine Park overlooking the Mississippi. The former double home now shelters two townhouse units, the former attic “penthouse” and a basement unit. The basement unit has been sold and is currently under construction. One of two original townhouse units is beautifully furnished with impressive 8-ft doors, spacious 11-ft ceilings, and stunning views of the river from the oversized windows. It, along with the riverside townhouse and penthouse are awaiting new owners that will appreciate the stateliness and grandeur of the building.

“What A Wonderful World”-Windego Park Society Chalkfest ‘08
Saturday, May 10, 2008
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Downtown Anoka
For registration information, visit www.windegoparksociety.org

As part of the Windego Park Society’s “Clean & Green Festival”, this event is designed to celebrate the creativity of our community, the importance of public art, and keeping our city beautiful. Participant’s canvas will be a sidewalk square, and their paintbrush colorful and environmentally safe chalk. The theme for this year’s artwork will be “What a Wonderful World.” Prizes will be awarded to some of the best works of art, so now is your chance to bring your family, friends, scout patrol, school club, or whomever to join in the fun. The Windego Park Society is dedicated to the restoration of Anoka’s historic amphitheatre and striving to provide a venue for the Anoka community’s endless artistic talents.

Ten Most Endangered at the Mill City Farmers Market
Saturday, May 10, 2008
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Mill City Farmers Market, 704 2nd Street S., Minneapolis, MN 55401
Event is free. Information at www.millcityfarmersmarket.org

Join the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota in welcoming back the Mill City Farmers Market, officially opening on May 10, 2008. Visit the Alliance table to learn more about the programs of Minnesota’s statewide historic preservation advocacy and education organization. The 2008 Ten Most Endangered Historic Places exhibit will be on display, as this list includes a resource very close to the Market.

Twin Cities Bungalow Club 2008 Home Tour
Saturday, May 10, 2008
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Information: 612.724.5816; www.bungalowclub.org
Tickets $5.00 for nonmembers, Bungalow Members free

The Twin Cities Bungalow Club’s popular spring home tour will feature eight beautiful bungalows and other Arts & Crafts era houses. You’ll see: a “green” bungalow renovation; a beautiful 1920s Dutch Colonial home with original interiors; and loads of classic bungalow features such as rich oak woodwork, built-ins, brick fireplaces and oodles of charm. This is a self-guided tour; no reservations are necessary. There are eight homes on the tour-four in Minneapolis and four in St. Paul. Pick up a tour map with the homes’ addresses and descriptions any time after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10th at the first house: 3627 27th Avenue S., Minneapolis (just west of Hiawatha Ave. between 35th Street E. and 38th St. E.).

Hennepin History Museum Lecture: The Archaeology of Downtown Minneapolis: “Is that a parking lot? Or is it an archaeological site?”
Sunday, May 11, 2008
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Hennepin History Museum, Minneapolis
Event is free. Information at 612.870.1329 or www.hennepinhistory.org

Archaeologist Kent Bakken will talk about the archaeology of downtown Minneapolis, including community-based excavations in the Elliot Park neighborhood (now entering the fifth season) and Park Board sponsored excavation at Mill Ruins Park. Find out more about the wealth of city history that lies under your feet, and how you can help investigate that history!

Bloomington Old Town Hall Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, May 11, 2008
12:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Bloomington Old Town Hall, Penn Ave. S. and Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington
Event is Free.

The Bloomington Historical Society and the City of Bloomington are hosting a dedication of the Bloomington Old Town Hall and all are invited to attend. Costumed reenactors, historical site tours, a pioneer fair, music and an ice cream social are all part of the festivities. For more information contact the Bloomington Historical Society.

Week of Monday May 12 - Sunday May 17- Minnesota Sesquicentennial Week

Duluth Preservation Alliance Annual Awards Program
Monday, May 12, 2008
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Sacred Heart Music Center, 201 West 4th Street, Duluth
For registration information, contact DPA at dennis.lamkin@usbank.com

Join the Duluth Preservation Alliance for a pre-awards tour of the award winning condominiums located at 13-15 East 4th Street from 6:30 - 6:50 p.m. The Awards Program will begin at the Sacred Heart Music Center, 4th Street and 2nd Avenue West (201 West 4th Street). Following the election of officers, the annual meeting will conclude with awards recognizing recently renovated and restored homes, the Centennial Home awards, and the Hall of Shame.

St. Paul Heritage Preservation Awards
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
St. Paul City Hall, lower level, enter on 4th street
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
$5.00 suggested donation

The 18th Annual St. Paul Heritage Preservation Awards will be held on Tuesday, May 13 in the lower level of City Hall (enter on 4th Street). A Social Hour will begin at 6:00 pm and the Awards Program is from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm. A $5.00 donation is suggested. Please RSVP by Friday May 9 to Judith VanDyne at AIA Minnesota at (612) 338-6763.

Coffee at the Princess Cafe
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
9:00 am
History Center of Olmsted County, 1195 West Circle Drive SW, Rochester

Information at 507.282.9447 or at www.olmstedhistory.com.
Rochester author Alan Calavano will speak about his new book, A Postcard History of Rochester, published by Arcadia Publishing Company. Alan will also be available to sign copies of the book. Event is free to History Center members, $2.00 to non-members.

Happy Hour with a Preservationist
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Central Post Office, 100 South First Street, Minneapolis
Tour is free.

Join Preserve Minneapolis for a special tour of Minneapolis’ Art Deco post office, designed by local firm Magney and Tusler. After the tour, we will go to Runyon’s at 107 Washington Avenue North, for refreshments and conversation.

Preservation Is Our Legacy
Thursday, May 15, 2008
7:00 pm
LeDuc Historic Estate, Hastings
Event is free.
Information at 651.437.7055

First in a lecture series for the season sponsored by Friends of LeDuc and Dakota County Historical Society, Bonnie McDonald, Director of the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, will speak on the topic, “Preservation Is Our Legacy.” The LeDuc Historic Estate is a perfect setting for this event since it represents one of finest restorations in the state.NEW

New Ulm HPC unveils podcast for National Preservation Month
Thursday May 15, 2008

The New Ulm Heritage Preservation Commission celebrates Preservation month by unveiling its pod cast and walking tour of its historic downtown. Eight pod casts and a draft of the walking tour map will be released during the New Ulm Capital for a Day on May 15, 2008. Visitors will be able to check out a MP3 player from the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce, download it off the internet, or simply watch it on popular websites. Each episode can be viewed individually, allowing tourists to customize their tour. For more information, contact the City of New Ulm at 507-359-8245. (New Ulm’s efforts to maximize new technology will be highlighted at this year’s State Preservation Conference being held in Northfield on September 19-20, 2008. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!)

Hamline Midway History Corps Speaker Series
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Guest Speaker: Brian McMahon
7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Hear the stories and explore the transportation history of University Avenue with architectural historian and University United Executive Director Brian McMahon on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. in the lower level Auditorium of the Hamline Midway Branch Library at 1558 West Minnehaha, just one block east of Snelling.

The Hamline Midway History Corps is excited to feature Brian McMahon to our Speaker Series. We hope you will join us for an engaging discussion of the history of transportation along University Avenue from hot air balloons and horses, railways and streetcars, to airplanes and automobiles. McMahon’s extensive research over the past 8 years merges with his other interests including the history of Ford Motors in Minnesota, industrial architecture, and the urban built environment. McMahon has a collection of artifacts and historic images from University Avenue to share with neighbors and history lovers.

“Let’s Celebrate 10 Years” fundraising event for Historic Saint Paul
Friday, May 16, 2008
6:00 p.m.
318 Summit Avenue, Saint Paul
For registration information, go to www.historicsaintpaul.org

Historic Saint Paul invites you to our tenth anniversary celebration! Enjoy music, cocktail, appetizers and friends at a spectacularly renovated Cass Gilbert treasure: the William H. and Carrie Lightner House. Mark your calendar for the evening of Friday, May 16th, 2008. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

Kasson: This Place Matters
Sunday, May 17, 2008
10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Kasson, Minnesota
Cost is free, donations accepted
Information at www.KassonAlliance.org

Classic automobiles will be invited to gather on Kasson’s Main Street at 10:00 AM. At 2:00 PM, Kasson’s 1937 State Theater will feature a classic film matinee. Prior the film, a short presentation will be given on historic preservation activities in Kasson. A Preservation Month poster featuring historic downtown buildings will be displayed in local businesses. A brochure will be distributed to attendees containing information on Kasson’s 5 National Register Buildings. The poster and brochure will also be available in the Kasson library which will also display books on local history. Contact Diane O’Brien-Berge, 507-696-6769, for more information.

Windego Park Society Spring Amphitheatre Clean-up and Volunteer Appreciation
Saturday, May 17, 2008
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Windego Park Amphitheatre, South Ferry Street, Anoka
For more information, visit www.windegoparksociety.org

Since 1996, the Windego Park Society (WPS) has been holding our annual spring cleanups at the Windego Park Amphitheatre, designed in 1914 by local Prairie School architecture firm Purcell & Elmslie. WPS always needs help pulling weeds, sweeping the steps, and other general maintenance. As a bonus, after the cleanup is complete, WPS will be honoring our many volunteers over the past year with a complimentary picnic. Whether you are a long time volunteer, have helped at a few events, or would like to start by helping with the cleanup, WPS would appreciate you coming and letting us show you how glad we are to have you as a friend. Please RSVP if you will be attending by calling Alyssa @ 763-225-0473 or email: alyssa@windegoparksociety.org

Week of Monday May 18 - Sunday May 24

The Duluth Preservation Alliance presents “The Biltmore” - a movie.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Johnson Carpet One, 5611 Grand Avenue, Duluth
For more information, contact DPA at dennis.lamkin@usbank.com

Movie and presentation of the Biltmore Estate authorized line of flooring will be offered by Johnson Carpet One, at 5611 Grand Avenue. The half hour long movie is being shown with the permission of the Biltmore Estate. A question and answer session will follow with additional history of the Vanderbilt family and their architectural legacy. Refreshments will be provided by the presenter.

Denmark Township Historical Society Free Program
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
7:00 pm
Denmark Township Town Hall, 90th and Oakgreen, South Washington County.
Program is Free
For information contact Jean Boyd at 651.436.8031

A free program presented by the Denmark Township Historical Society will occur at the Denmark Township Town Hall on Tuesday May 20, 2008. Eileen Whitaker Kelz will talk about her great-grandmother, Laurana Faustina Leavitt Whitaker (Mrs. Ephraim Whitaker), a women’s rights activist in the late 1800s. The Denmark Township Historical Society’s mission is to preserve traditions, stories and historic buildings in the township, located at the southern tip of Washington County.

2008 Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission Awards
Thursday, May 22, 2008
11:30 am - 1:15 pm
International Market Square, 275 Market Street, Studio 185, Minneapolis
$17 per person for non-AIA Minnesota members. Tickets at 612.338.6763

Architecture of the past is a repository of vast physical, human, and cultural energy. Preservation projects preserve the local culture and identify and create a sense of belonging. They bring alive the past to be a part of the future, creating important connections through time. Every year the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission, Minneapolis Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and Minneapolis CPED team up to honor distinguished preservationists and noteworthy preservation projects across the city.

Reservations are required for the luncheon and must be received by Friday, May 16 at 12:00 p.m. The event is free for members of AIA Minnesota. Non-members must pay $17 per person. Please go to www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/hpc/ for more information.

Wood, Concrete, Stone and Steel: Minnesota’s Historic Bridges
Thursday, May 22, 2008
7:00 pm
Mill City Museum, 704 South Second Street, Minneapolis
Event is free.
More information at 612-341-7555 or www.millcitymuseum.org

Join author Denis P. Gardner for the launch of his new book “Wood, Concrete, Stone, and Steel: Minnesota’s Historic Bridges.” Gardner will give an illustrated presentation on the rich history and uncertain future of bridges in the state. He will also be available to sign copies of the book, which will be for sale in the museum store. Gardner is an award-winning historian who has documented properties for the National Register of Historic Places and the Historic American Engineering Record. He is the author of “Minnesota Treasures: Stories behind the State’s Historic Places.”

6th Annual Downtown Owatonna Cleanup
Friday, May 23, 2008
9:30am - 12:00 Noon
Downtown Owatonna

The OACCT MainStreet Program and ROSE Alternative School are teaming up once again for the 6th Annual Downtown Cleanup - “Keep Downtown Owatonna Beautiful!!!” The day will consist of coordinated efforts to clean our downtown streets, sidewalks, alleys, parking lots, and Central Park. Eighty-five students and staff from the Rose Alternative School along with the MainStreet Program, City Street Department and City Parks and Recreation Department will be volunteering their time in making downtown a cleaner place. Feel free to join in the clean-up effort by getting out and sweeping your sidewalk or washing your store windows that day!

Contact Lisa Krampitz, Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism MainStreet Director (507) 451-7970 or lkrampitz@owatonna.org for more information.

Tuesday May 13th, 2008
6:00 pm - Social Hour
7:00 pm - Awards Program
Saint Paul City Hall - Lower level concourse and Room 40
15 Kellogg Boulevard, Saint Paul (Use 4th Street enterance)

RSVP to Judith Van Dyne at AIA Minnesota by May 12th at 612.338.6763

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Central Post Office, 100 South First Street, Minneapolis
Tour is free.

Join Preserve Minneapolis for a special tour of Minneapolis’ Art Deco post office, designed by local firm Magney and Tusler. After the tour, the group will go to Runyon’s at 107 Washington Avenue North, for refreshments and conversation.

This is a self-guided tour; no reservations are necessary. There are eight homes on the tour-four in Minneapolis and four in St. Paul. Pick up a tour map with the homes’ addresses and descriptions any time after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 10th at the first house: 3627 27th Avenue S., Minneapolis (just west of Hiawatha Ave. between 35th Street E. and 38th St. E.).

Let your voice be heard! Recreating Minnesota’s Main Street Program

May 23, 2008 - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm in Little FallsDo small cities in Minnesota need a source of technical and financial assistance for strengthening their downtowns? Many states have a formal statewide Main Street^TM program that provides such assistance to communities revitalizing their historic downtown areas. Minnesota has not had a formal statewide program for 14 years. Join Hometown Minnesota in Little Falls on May 23^rd), to let us know how a statewide program could help your community.

A group of interested organizations and individuals are working to create a new statewide Main Street^TM program. Thom Guzman, Director of the Iowa Downtown Resource Center will describe the benefits and limitations of a statewide program, and Bonnie McDonald, Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, will describe the opportunity for creating a new statewide Minnesota program.

The workshop will address questions such as:

• Will a statewide program provide meaningful assistance to local communities?
• Does the proposed MN Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) funding for downtown revitalization suffice for statewide assistance to small cities?
• What do small cities believe are the critical components of a statewide program?

Cost: $75.00 per workshop per community. Workshops are free to Hometown member communities. Refreshments will be provided.

RSVP for the May 23rd workshop in Little Falls to Dan Frank, 405 First Street SE, Little Falls, MN 56345

Please RSVP with City/Organization Name, Contact Person and number of people attending workshop. Please enclose payment for $75 with registrations. Make checks payable to Hometown Minnesota.

For questions regarding these workshops, please contact Brian Ross of Hometown Minnesota at 612-588-4904 or bross@crplanning.com