Winter Construction Updates

Hello from the other side of October! In the past few weeks, our HVAC and remodeling project has come along by leaps and bounds. Here are the latest updates.

Starting at the end of December, nearly 90 feet of scaffolding will be installed in our Great Hall to allow crews to install new sprinklers, replace lighting and repaint our walls for the first time in decades. Check out the preliminary construction drawing in the slideshow above. The scaffolding is scheduled to be removed by the end of March 2027.

The Depot Theatre remains closed through the winter with minimal programming. Fourth-floor construction is coming along quickly; new offices for LOON and DSSO are being painted, and ceiling grids are installed.

There are several temporary heaters in the building. We are very happy we can stay open and comfortable because of them, but we apologize that if it feels different than usual or if the noise is bothersome.

This spring, we will be upgrading the building’s electrical. This is a huge upgrade, with many benefits, but one drawback: we will need to shut off power to the building for several weeks. We are doing our best to pick a “sweet spot” to lessen interruptions to programming and will continue to offer some basic power via generators for the duration, but we expect to be closed for at least 10 days. More info on our closures will be coming soon.

While there is still much to do, we are nearly halfway complete and several projects are wrapping up. Lake Superior Railroad Museum’s brand new offices and archive room are among them, and their staff has been busy moving. Electrical work in and around our exterior loading dock is nearly done, our new transformer pad is ready, and the fencing is scheduled for removal soon. Additionally, work in The Minnesota Ballet Studios One, Two, and Three is now complete and includes upgrades such as new electrical, windows, lighting, and paint. We are thrilled to have full danceability in the building again!

From everyone in the Depot management office, we appreciate your support and understanding as our building undergoes these momentous changes. It’s a thrilling project, filled with new twists and turns, and it’s been a pleasure to see spaces start to reopen with improved systems (with more on the way).