HISTORIC RENOVATION
The Depot is the re-purposing of an historic train depot in the heart of downtown Minot, North Dakota. Originally constructed in 1912 in service of the Soo Line railroad, the facility included the 8,650 square foot main depot building with a second floor and a separate 3,150 square foot baggage building, connected by a covered boardwalk.
In 2019 a concerted effort was made to restore and re-purpose the building, including replacement of the original copper roof with a prefinished steel system replicating the look of weathered copper, extensive repair of historic soffit detailing. Interior remodeling involved the addition of restrooms to meet ADA requirements to the extents possible, repair disintegrating decorative plaster work, install new flooring, update electrical systems, and replace the HVAC system with a modern more energy efficient system.
The greatest challenge of this project was accomplishing the work in a way so as to not detract from the historical nature of the building yet still provide the updates necessary for the building to function in a multitude of capacities. This was accomplished using modern materials that still had a vintage look to them and keeping the building's historical charm while incorporating modern amenities.
Throughout its various transformations, the Soo Line Depot has remained a cherished landmark in Minot, blending historical preservation with modern functionality to serve the community's evolving needs.
THE DEPOT
RENOVATION
MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA
First and Central is in the heart of downtown Minot, North Dakota. This 15,000 square foot historical building was completely renovated into three individual as-built spaces. The renovation aimed to merge the downtown’s rich history with a contemporary touch, creating vibrant spaces to attract customers and provide a unique experience making this a hub of the revitalization of downtown. This project introduced contemporary amenities, updates to all mechanical and electrical systems, including elevator access and common area restrooms on each level enhancing accessibility and convenience for occupants and visitors alike.
Three new vibrant businesses were established with this renovation, an eclectic bakery and coffee house, an upscale boutique, and a 3-story restaurant where the architecture cues were taken from the Minot’s former history as a red light/bootlegging district. Prairie Sky Breads Bakery and Coffee House interior design paid homage to the region's natural beauty, incorporating earthy materials and a progressive flair. Large windows framed the bustling kitchen, allowing customers to watch the baking process unfold. Adjacent to the bakery, The Weekender, a boutique using natural brick from the building creating a welcoming environment, with open concept design, unique displays, and a striking hand-crafted chandelier adorned the ceiling making use of the great ceiling height and lighting. The restaurant space has 3 floors, to provide event space and two floors of restaurant space. The third level being a cozy mid-size space for rentable event space with movable tables and a unique bar space. The second has an intimate eating space with a bar and access to the rooftop patio, with amazing views of the city, and a unique sliding bar window with fold down outdoor bar top allowing customers to enjoy the beautiful ND summer and fall. The first floor boasts a full-size restaurant and kitchen along with the basement which serves as storage and includes office space, walk-in coolers and freezers and dry good storage.
The remodeled space included a major overhaul of the building’s exteriors- including paint, new windows, and exterior staircase and ramps. Interior updates included a new elevator, unique finishes, and repurpose historical elements of the original building and incorporating them in a new and interesting way. The architectural team worked diligently to preserve the building's historical elements while seamlessly integrating modern amenities. The goal was to create distinct and unique spaces accommodating the specific needs of each business while retaining the building’s charm.
FIRST & CENTRAL BUILDINGS REMODEL
AKSAL GROUP, LLC.
MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA
The City of Minot approved a Facade Improvement Program as an opportunity for owners of historic spaces in Minot's Downtown Central Business District. Downtown districts are critical to the economic fabric of any city and it’s no different for Minot, North Dakota. The FIP (Façade Improvement Program) was created with the intention to operate a forgivable loan program where restorations are respecting the street-facing facades historic nature while updating their functionality and energy efficiency. The grant program focuses on changes to windows, display windows, door, building ornamentation, masonry, updating ADA accessibility, awnings, facade lighting, gutters, fire escapes, and vestibules and entryways.
Ackerman-Estvold has been approved to work on the FIP program, and there are multiple steps we go through with each restoration. From taking part in an initial assessment of the property, helping the owner uncover the appearance of the building throughout its life cycle to come up with a design to tie into the historic roots of each building, to then providing design concepts. We then also work with the contractor to make sure specifications are being followed and adhere to the program parameters, along with working with the owner to make sure the vision of their space comes back to its original glory.
Margie’s has been a downtown staple in the community for over 20 years, and while the façade was not in complete disrepair multiple renovations have happened through the years that changed its historic look. Replacing a full bank of front windows, bringing the dental molding forward, along with changing the store front brick, signage & awning helped showcase the historical beauty of the space and make it more streamlined and fresher.
MARGIES FACADE UPDATE
MINOT, NORTH DAKOTA
The Mouse River Players Community Theatre, the community’s oldest theatre group which started in 1971 purchased the historical building in downtown Minot, North Dakota as its permanent home in 2004. The building had lived many lives before Mouse River Players purchased it, knowing many renovations were needed to enhance its facilities and better serve the community, but resources were hard to obtain. When the City of Minot Facade Improvement Program was initiated MRP decided now was the time for planning and getting the much need facelift to the theater's exterior and the lobby and interior projects could move forward. The updates aimed to revitalize the building's appearance, contributing to the aesthetic enhancement of downtown.
The exterior brick was in fairly good condition, but the very dated and dark block glass exterior was not historical to the original building. Large expansive black windows & transoms were added to provide fantastic natural light and utilized as another part of the advertising for upcoming theater productions. Our team also worked with the MRP on the logo and exterior signage and lighting to make it more inviting to theatre constituents. The interior renovations included the transformation of several offices into a more spacious reception area and the addition of two new bathrooms. The lobby was redesigned to create a welcoming environment for patrons, featuring light cream-colored walls with rich green accents. Sound-deadening planks that mimic hardwood were installed to improve acoustics and aesthetics. Additionally, a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system was installed, providing climate control in the lobby for the first time.
These comprehensive renovations reflect the Mouse River Players' commitment to providing a modern and comfortable environment for theatergoers, ensuring that the community can continue to enjoy local productions in an updated and welcoming setting.
This has been such a rewarding program to be involved with by giving older historic building a new life. We have been able to help fully transform multiple buildings into more efficient spaces while pulling them back to their former historic beauty.