"The Place", Spring Grove, MN
Design Challenge: Developing a multi-functional arts and cultural space that meets the needs of both the local public school and the broader community.
In May 2020, the non-profit Spring Grove 2030, in collaboration with RSP Architects, launched a series of community meetings and workshops to envision the future of Spring Grove. These discussions resulted in a report highlighting a strong desire for a dedicated community hub, referred to as "The Place."
In 2022, the Citizen’s Institute on Rural Design (CIRD) hosted a multi-day design workshop led by To Be Done Studio (TBD). Through interactive engagement activities, the workshop produced a conceptual design emphasizing performing arts, gathering spaces, a library, and flexible indoor and outdoor spaces to accommodate various community needs.
The design team, led by TBD, included Minnesota-based architects Dan Yudchitz, Joe Bower, and Cindy McCleary from Leo A. Daly, who contributed regional insights. Additionally, Sarina Otaibi from the Department of Public Transformation in Granite Falls, MN, provided expertise in arts programming.
The workshop underscored the need for a phased approach to downtown revitalization, which would ensure that the Spring Grove 2030 initiative effectively addresses community priorities.
After evaluating several potential locations, the team selected a site across from Spring Grove Public School on Main Street. Renderings highlight the building’s flexibility, envisioning a space that integrates performance areas, a library, and shared educational and celebratory spaces for the school and the wider community.
