Scandia's Barn Project: Community Builds History

Scandia has officially broken ground on its new Water Tower Barn Arts and Heritage Center, a significant community-driven project totaling $4.4 million. The initiative is celebrated for its broad support, with nearly 100 people attending the recent groundbreaking ceremony. The center is being built around the reassembly of the city's historic 19th-century water tower barn.

The project received substantial funding from various sources, including $2.2 million from the state's 2023 capital investment bill and $1.5 million raised through grants and donations by the Scandia Heritage Alliance. Local families, businesses, and civic clubs contributed approximately one-third of the $1.5 million, with individual donations ranging from $25 to $200,000.

Notable contributions include $200,000 for the amphitheater, $50,000 for the outdoor cafe from Midco, and $55,000 for the Tankhouse Loft honoring the city's softball legacy. The center's vision, spearheaded by Susan Rodsjo, is to create a gathering place for all generations to celebrate history, arts, and the environment.

Further funding came from grants, including significant support from the Fred C. and Katherine B. Andersen Foundation and a $50,000 "hometown" grant from T-Mobile for the windmill and tankhouse system. The project also involves local high school students in constructing the cafe, fostering trades education and community engagement.

Mayor Steve Kronmiller highlighted the center as part of a broader wave of improvements in Scandia, including trail extensions and museum renovations, all contributing to the city's vibrant future. The initiative is seen as a testament to the community's perseverance and collaborative spirit, aiming to become a model for similar towns.