Preservation & Economic Development Program

Celebrate National Historic Preservation Month as the Fergus Falls Heritage Preservation Commission and the Friends of the Kirkbide present "This Place Matters: Historic Preservation as Economic Development" on Tuesday, May 24, 6:30 p.m. at Legacy Hall on the M State-Fergus Falls campus.
    With the fate of the Fergus Falls State Hospital hanging in the balance, the question of whether historic buildings can or should be reused is center stage in the community. One argument is that it costs more to renovate an old building than to put up a new one, or there is the concern that original buildings cannot be made to meet current standards. And the one most often heard is "get rid of the eyesores and put up new buildings."
    On the other hand preservation of historic buildings has proven to be an economic benefit to communities throughout the nation. In addition, the costs of leveling and replacing historic structures can be higher than renovation. The greenest building is the building that is already built.
    Speakers for the evening include Michael Koop from the Minnesota Historical Society, Erin Berg from the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota, Steven Salzer from Midwest Technology Campus which has been the primary developer of the old Willmar State Hospital and Ray Minervini who will speak from the Traverse City, Michigan Kirkbride complex.
    The public is urged to attend this free and open discussion on how historic preservation can benefit a community rather than be a hindrance. For more information contact the Fergus Falls HPC at 218-736-6038.