Phase 1 Structural Repairs Have Begun

New York Mills, MN—October 10, 2025—The 140-year-old iconic New York Mills Regional Cultural Center building is receiving some much-needed brickwork repairs, thanks to a couple of recent large donations that pushed the Center’s capital campaign contributions over the million dollar Phase 1 target, enabling some of the most critical structural work to begin on this once-in-a-generation major building renovation project.

“We are thrilled to see this project come to life,” said Betsy Roder, the Center’s Executive Director. “Being nearly halfway to our $2.3 million goal means we can begin the essential restoration work—protecting our historic building today while laying the groundwork for the next phase of our community’s future.”

The project is being overseen by Hammers Construction, with Building Restoration Corp of Minneapolis being awarded the contract to complete the tuckpointing and brickwork. Work began last week and is finishing up this week, and it has been a very smooth start to the project.

A small kick-off ceremony was held at the Center on October 9, with Roder and the NYMRCC’s Capital Campaign Steering Committee Chair Teresa Muckala getting a chance to try their hand at replacing a brick.  “We learned that tuckpointing and brickwork is an art unto itself, to know how to handle the mortar just right so it will do its job for the next 100 years and also look good.  Building Restoration Corp has done a great job and we’re thankful to have been able to get this project done this fall.”

The Center began a “soft launch” of their capital campaign following a $500,000 contribution from the Federal Home Loan Bank Member Impact Fund and Farmers & Merchants State Bank awarded at the Fish House Festival this past July.  “Once we heard they were on board with their generous support, we felt confident launching the campaign and diving in,” said Roder.

This large donation combined with grants and additional generous support from regional businesses and individuals have made it possible to kick off this Cultivating Community Capital Campaign. The Center will continue its fund development efforts in approaching the full goal of $2.3 million, and appreciates the generous community support. More information about the capital campaign and project plans can be found on the Center’s website https://www.kulcher.org/about/the-future/.

About the Cultural Center

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. The Center offers visitors intimate opportunities to encounter art and artists in its 80-seat concert listening room, visual art gallery in a historic building, gift store featuring local artists, artist residency program, sculpture park, and a variety of opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. For more information, call 218-385-3339, or visit www.kulcher.org.