Save the Northfield Depot

Northfield LOVES its depot! The 1888 depot is a special building that reflects our unique history, culture, and community.

You and others in the community helped the project finish the goal of rescuing, renovating, and reusing the last remaining icon of Northfield’s rich railroad history—the 1888 Milwaukee depot, an architectural treasure designated as a local historic site in 2021. Details about the depot’s rich history as well as our progress is documented in text and pictures on our website and in the depot. To learn more about our project, please visit northfielddepot.org.

But there is still a loose end to address…

Because fundraising in 2020 was cancelled to avoid competing with critical social needs due to COVID, a $100,000 loan was obtained to continue the renovation momentum. Donations from the 2021 and 2022 Give to the Max Days reduced that loan to $30,000. Please help finish the project by helping us to pay off the $30,000 loan, and to purchase an AC system (a need identified this summer when we had to cancel an event due to 90 degree temperature).  

Anonymous donors have generously pledged $12,000 to match dollar-for-dollar donations made through Dec. 31, 2023.  By taking full advantage of this matching fund challenge, you have the opportunity to reduce our $30,000 loan by more than half!

IMPORTANT: Please note that a 6.9% processing fee is subtracted from all GiveMN donations. Another options is to donate through PayPal, where the fees are slightly lower; no account is needed. If you would like your FULL donation to go toward our project, please mail a check to Save the Northfield Depot, P.O. Box 486, Northfield, MN 55057.

Please help us finish this attractive and valuable community resource.

What's Next...

The 2010 community’s vision for the 1888 depot-pavilion-transit hub complex is coming true.  The depot building renovations were completed in 2021; the grounds were completed, and the occupancy permit was obtained in 2022; and the City will begin construction of the pavilion and transit hub in spring 2024. See the draft plans for the pavilion and transit hub on the City of Northfield's website.

As predicted, the depot site has become a popular venue for a variety of community events including meetings of non-profits, holiday market, musical performances, poetry readings, and private gatherings (family reunions, birthdays and wedding showers). Many stroll through the pleasant, relaxing garden area enjoying the sculptures and plantings and often take advantage of the several benches. The completion of the City’s pavilion and transit hub will complement and enhance the uses for the depot.

Please share this project with your friends!

Post it about it on social media, or send out emails to let your friends know about our project. We know there are many others who believe in the same values we do. This project is more than an historic preservation success. It is also about.:

- beautification (removed blight and created a welcoming gateway) 

- economic development (served as catalyst for development in undeveloped area)

- education (developed understanding of the role of railroads in Northfield history)

- community (generated a sense of community in working together, and public use)

- transportation (served as a catalyst for the transit hub and positioned for use of possible future passenger rail)