From the beginning, it was a landmark. Among the first urban Indian centers in the nation, it recognized the unmet needs of American Indians living in the heart of a metropolis. Its visual focal points included circles and feathers, honoring our traditional connection to the natural world.
It’s really about providing people with opportunities to embrace their culture. We have to have those opportunities, as American Indian people, to really live it. — Mary LaGarde, Minneapolis American Indian Center Executive Director
To accomplish an overdue renovation and expansion, affiliates White Earth Investment Initiative and Midwest Minnesota Community Development Corporation provided a portion of the financing. This included $9.6 million in New Markets Tax Credit loans and, to fill financing gaps, $4 million in commercial loans. “Without that, I would probably still be fund-raising,” LaGarde said.
The original intent and design were retained. Today, programs promoting a healthier and more technologically savvy community are being offered alongside the historic programs. Outdoor areas are improved, and indoor gathering spaces retained.
The project has inspired other American Indian organizations to reimagine their spaces and seek similar funding.
Projected Financial and Social Impact:
- Community: Serve 4,500 more people annually, reduce traditional energy consumption through solar use, improve handicap accessibility, and create 10 new FTEs
- Physical: Redeveloped 43,486 square feet of space and expanded 21,576 square feet
- Financial: Total project cost of $32.98 million
