The Process

In partnership with the architects and artists of Homeboat Collective, we spent a year gathering input from the local community about the types of programming and facilities that would be most beneficial to the residents. We also mapped existing community assets to avoid duplication of resources and services, as our goal is to amplify and complement the incredible work of artists and community members already thriving in the region.

With the support of the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership, we were able to integrate many of the community suggestions into architectural designs and a phased build schedule for the main floor public space, the basement workshop zone, and the residential apartments above. Our architecture team held multiple public design share-back sessions where community members could offer feedback on the plans before they were solidified.

Some ideas we’ve heard from community members:

• A place for visiting artists, musicians, and creatives to stay while they are embracing all Granite Falls has to offer!

• Short-term rental housing

• Small gatherings and meetings to dream big

• Climbing instruction and practice for all ages

• Tech Tuesdays, where the less tech-savvy among us can drop in for some helpful technical support

• Classes or events for youth that happen during events for adults upstairs! (Think creative “child care” solutions)

• A place for local and visiting musicians, podcasters, and voice-over folks to record

• Overflow class and workshop space for the Granite Area Arts Council and the local schools

• Space for community meetings, games, yoga instruction, and more!

• A place to support and highlight Native Art

• Concerts! Plays! Musicals! Lectures! Poetry readings! Workshops! Community events! And so much more!

• A bright and comfortable place to work on your laptop or have a meeting

• Larger community meeting space or overflow workshop areas

• Rentable for other great ideas!

The Progress

Before we embarked on Phase 1 of construction, a team of dedicated volunteers and a few key donors made possible the first steps of stabilizing the building: we patched the leaky roof, dragged out the rotten furniture, and repaired some of the basic plumbing to make the place safe for public gatherings.

In addition to Homeboat Collective and the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership, we have been so lucky to work with these amazing folks along the way: MO/EN Design Practice in Austin, MN; Jack Bunting Construction in Aitkin, MN; Heartland Electric in Montevideo, MN; Olsen Plumbing & Heating in Montevideo, MN; Ethan Weber Construction LLC in Granite Falls, MN The Sawmill Lumber Yard in Granite Falls, MN; LA Construction in Granite Falls, MN; Nationwide Glass in Willmar, MN; Duininck Concrete in Willmar, MN; Historic Design Consulting in Vadnais Heights, MN; and countless community volunteers.

We’ve accomplished major infrastructure work (including plumbing and electrical rough-in), completed the second-floor apartments, finished the public restroom and installed flooring on the main floor, acquired our certificate of occupancy for the second-floor apartments and main-floor event space, and assessed necessary facade repair. And, thanks to some generous restricted funding, we also made great progress in the climbing and fitness area on the main floor in the early stages of the project. Lots to celebrate!

During the first phase of construction, we averaged a cost of approximately $130 per square foot. This is very similar to a modest, new single-family home in the Upper Midwest pre-pandemic. Due to COVID-19 inflation, the comparable cost has jumped to near $180 per square foot of finished space as of October 2021 and again to near $200 per square foot in 2023. When we consider time-consuming old building quirks, additional costs associated with a community-engaged process, and the fact that some of the expenses (such as plumbing and electrical rough-in) span the whole building, $130 per square foot is a great price!

We installed new (working!) doors and a big, beautiful window street level to let the sunshine in the main space. We also worked with a local structural engineer to bring the main floor ceiling up to fire code. We’re learning so much, and we're glad to have the support of local experts as we go!

The next phase of renovation includes the completion of the main floor and beginning the construction for the restrooms in the basement.

The Timeline

When we originally embarked on this project, we envisioned an ambitious 3-year construction timeline. However, the COVID-19 pandemic greatly shifted our original timelines putting us nearly 18-months behind schedule. Since 2018, we have been moving forward steadily toward our goals — inch by inch, brick by brick. We are hoping to complete construction in 2024, but we will continue to adapt our timelines as needed.

The YES! House is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 AM - 2 PM for general open hours. Stop by to have a cup of tea, read a book, work on a project, or to say hello!