Shakopee City Council to Consider Next Life of Fire Station

After urging the Shakopee City Council Wednesday to put off selling the soon-to-be vacated downtown fire station, the man behind the request wasted no time asking for help.

In a Facebook post early Thursday, local artist Mike Haeg wrote, “Now for the really hard work, putting together a business plan. Anyone want to help?”

Haeg has been circulating  in the past few weeks to reuse the fire station as a community and arts center. Firefighters are leaving the station in the next week as and moving into a new fire station at 1001 Vierling Drive W.

“Shakopee is culturally behind other suburbs and regional centers in its support of the arts,” Haeg told councilors. “I would love to have a lengthier conversation between artists and city.”

When Councilor Steve Clay questioned the appeal of the building, which is largely made up of concrete with a flat roof and glass block, Haeg was quick to respond.

“No place is absolutely perfect,” he said. “Artists would love it. The character in that part of town, we kind of dig it.”

The council tabled the selling of the facility for at least two months, to allow time for interested parties to submit proposals and business plans to the city.

Haeg, who was supported at the meeting by about a half-dozen area artists, said he would use the time given to research successes and challenges for arts centers in other communities, and also to research grant opportunities.

Clay suggested this could launch a larger revitalization effort in that area of downtown, referring to the potential for the Highway 101 project to include a bike trail and other development that would attract visitors.

Councilors were concerned about cost and what it would take to get the building ready for other uses. Mark McNeill, city administrator, said the city may have to hire someone who can directly address bringing the building up to code and determine other factors that need consideration.

“Thanks for bringing this initiative forward,” Councilor Pamela Punt told Haeg. “I think you’re onto something and think there should be more time to pursue it.”

Councilor Lehman said he has been contacted by a business owner about purchasing the fire station, as well as representatives from two churches who’ve thought of using the space as a homeless shelter.

“There are other groups who could benefit from this thing,” Mayor Brad Tabke said. “It could serve as a bunch of different things."

City Administrator Mark McNeill is the contact for proposals. Reach him at mmcneill@ci.shakopee.mn.us or (952) 233-9311.