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 last year as a local historic site. Details about the depot’s rich history as well as our progress is documented in text and pictures on our website. To learn more about our project, please visit northfielddepot.org.

But there is still a loose end to address…

Because of the decision to cancel fundraising in early 2020 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 Give to the Max Day reduced that loan, but additional expenses accrued during 2022 due to basement work and completion of the grounds. Currently, the loan is $60,000. Please help finish the project by helping us pay off the loan that enabled us to continue the working during the pandemic to finish the renovation. 

Anonymous donors have generously pledged to match dollar-for-dollar every donation through Dec. 31, 2022.  By taking full advantage of this matching fund challenge, you have the opportunity to reduce our $60,000 loan by more than half!

IMPORTANT: Please note that a 6.9% processing fee is subtracted from all GiveMN donations. 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 OR make a donation via our Facebook page.

Please help us finish this attractive and valuable community resource.

What's Next...

Phase I (left) has been completed. Phase II (right) begins in spring 2023.

The 2010 community’s vision for the 1888 depot-pavilion-transit hub complex is coming true: the depot building renovations were completed in 2021 and the grounds in 2022, and the City will begin construction of the pavilion and transit hub in spring 2023.

And as predicted, the depot site has become a popular venue for a variety of community events including meetings, holiday market, musical groups, and a wedding shower. 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!

Tweet it out to your followers, post it on Facebook, 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)