the Skyline Preservation Foundation, Inc.

Are you here because of the ad in the Crox Times?
Info at the bottom of this page.

Here's our current brochure, sorry for the slow load... we're imputing the data  and it will be here soon

We have a new mission!
Rediscover, Redevelop, and Revitalize Historic Crookston

the Skyline Preservation Foundation, Inc. 
27048 310th ST SW
Crookston, MN 56716                                    email: skyline@crookston.com 

Current Projects:


The former Catholic Cathedral in downtown Crookston.
It's our namesake, from miles around you can see the 3 crosses.

The "Wayne" or Palace Hotel.  Remember Sidney's Cafe?

Accepting the former Wayne Hotel (once called the Palace Hotel) from it's present owner and finding people to serve as suitable business owner/developer of assorted nonprofit affordable housing uses and new business/service uses for young singles, and new business/service/youth center, uses for the main floor. 

Working to attain "Historical Landmark" status with the federal and state Historical Societies for significant structures in the Crookston area.

Check out the historic building walking tour booklet prepared by the Crookston Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Current Needs:
Folks to serve on a 12 member advisory committee meeting quarterly.
Seed money to cover basic insurance and minimal structural repairs.
Matching funds for re-use planning grants.

Please be patient, we are developing this site. During this time (and anytime) we welcome your comments.  

Did you know there's a Crookston song called "the Crookstonian?"

More info?  Contact: Kay Hegge  khegge @ rrv . net   Take out the spaces before you email Kay

Chairs....we got CHAIRS they're from the former auditorium
of Central Highschool in Crookston! 

Purchase 1, purchase 6, or purchase hundreds.

Here's the end cap that was at the end of each row.  These are
in shorter supply, of course because there was fewer of them.
Leave email for Kay for more info!

 Kay Hegge  khegge @ rrv . net   Take out the spaces before you email Kay

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Crookston Daily Times Article   August 2003
Skyline Foundation holds high hopes

By Ben Sandell, News Editor

The decision to save the old Crookston Cathedral, formerly known as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, was made several years ago, but the decision as to how to go about renovating the building remains to be specified. The 91-year-old building, which was shut down in 1990, would cost about $700,000 to renovate, said Kay Hegge, board chair of the Skyline Preservation Foundation Inc.  The Foundation purchased the building in 1996 in order to maintain its historic presence in town.

"People want to live in the country. They want to live in the small towns and they want character to those small towns," Hegge said - preserving the historic skyline is crucial to preserving a sense of place.  "The decision's made. We're saving the building," said Hegge, explaining that a successful renovation is a matter of volunteer support and community enthusiasm. "I can't help but feel positive with all the work that has been done in the past."

Last spring, the Foundation considered selling the old Cathedral to a private owner who had plans to turn the building into a reception hall or other similar business. The man backed out, however, leaving the Foundation to pursue plan B - maintaining ownership of the Cathedral and using grant money to convert it into some kind of community center.  "I'm just dedicated to applying and applying and applying for grants," Hegge said. "I'm applying for as many grants that can work and we have a chance at."

The Foundation recently applied for a $500,000 Saving America's Treasures Grant, which requires a one-to-one match in funds. Hegge also plans to apply for what's called the Kresge grant, a challenge grant worth one million dollars that too requires a one-to-one match.   "Even with a half a million dollar grant, the project can fail if the community doesn't step forward with their financial help," Hegge said. Since the grants are a one-to-one match, she estimated that the Foundation would need at least $50,000 in donations.

The Foundation has begun to raise money through several fund-raising projects, Hegge said, including attempts to recruit more members.  The organization has also raised money by selling the old Central High School auditorium chairs. Fifteen of the 600 or so chairs have already been purchased, and the rest are on sale for as much as people are willing to donate, she said. 

Arts center

This winter, the Foundation plans to work with the Northwest Regional Development Commission to conduct a feasibility study funded by a Minnesota State Arts Board Grant.

The study would look at the possibility of turning the building into a community arts center, Hegge said. "We have a hundred artists right around this area and there's really not a public place to display or sell their art work," she said. "Would an art gallery pay for keeping the doors open is basically what we need to know."  If not an art gallery, the old Cathedral could easily be used as a museum, she added.  If the Foundation does not receive any of the major grants, Hegge said she knows of several other grants to apply for, but, in that case, the renovation would likely have to be scaled back.   Whatever happens, the two-to-three-year project should be underway within the next year, she said.

Palace (Wayne) Hotel

The Foundation has been eyeing the Palace (Wayne) Hotel downtown as its next major project and is seeking committee members to look into purchasing the building.  The historic building could be better used for housing rather than just standing vacant, Hegge said.  "With the need for affordable housing being so tremendous, and the need for more space with people without housing at all, I think that building demands that use," she said.  For more information or to make a donation, call 218-289-1246 or visit www.crookston.com/skyline.