Historic Building Modern HVAC

Historic Building Modern HVAC

An update from Director Tennis

Since beginning my Depot journey in 2019, the building has had many needs. Some were emergencies: think exterior doors that won’t lock, flooding in the basement, and a 1990’s carpet that was so worn it would trip visiting guests as they meandered. Some were less threatening but more cosmetic: walls that were thirsty for paint, holes in the wall, and a directional signage system that can be best described as surreal. My team and I had the pleasure of resolving these issues with the help of some good budgeting and clear messaging.

Administrator Gray and State Delegation touring broken HVAC equipment

However, one item remains on the list: our building-wide HVAC system. What is HVAC?, you may ask (go ahead and skip to the next paragraph if you are already familiar): HVAC stands for “Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.” It’s the system that makes sure you’re not too hot, not too cold, and the air you breathe is just right. As simple as this seems, put in the context of a mixed-use building over 130 years old, this is vastly challenging.

For instance, our building houses a ballet that needs a warm, somewhat humid environment for practice, while simultaneously, just upstairs, there is a stage that needs cooler air to mitigate hot stage lights and lower moisture. Down the hall, you will see several artifacts from veterans who lived 70+ years ago, which need low humidity and a very even temperature. Adjacent to this exhibit, The Great Hall hosts heaping handfuls of community events, chock-full of humans who talk, sing, laugh, and roam, heating the giant room with activity and letting the outside air in as they enter and exit our main entrance. Upstairs, canoes and incredible beadwork require a climate for leather and birch bark to thrive so visitors can keep them company. Zip down to the track level, and you will find historic trains, which may be fired up here and there to keep them healthy (but what keeps a train engine healthy isn’t necessarily healthy for the people working in the offices right next doors, so that exhaust needs to leave the building in a hurry). Throw in some world-class classical musicians, and you begin to see just how many crucial needs our HVAC must serve.

What happens when you don’t have an operatable HVAC system? Well, the obvious: poor air quality, unworkable temperatures, and unsafe artifacts. Ours is still operating, but just barely, and only by the hard work of St. Louis County Property Management. Our building maintenance hero, Sam, will manually adjust valves, pumps, and louvers in order to give the building air quality it (and everybody inside) deserves. But it’s a more than full-time job, and Sam needs to take care of many other needs for the building. Typically, buildings like the Depot have an automated HVAC system, which means a team has the ability to monitor their system from a single source and tweak from central controls. It also means that should something go wrong, we will be notified immediately and prevent damage to the building or its exhibits.

But a new HVAC means money – and we have been requesting assistance from the State of Minnesota in order to achieve the $16 million-dollar price tag. Utilizing state of the art technology, our new HVAC will include sustainable, holistic systems that will benefit the building and its inhabitants in many ways, including passive solar, upgraded electrical, efficient pump systems, and customizable bundles for future tenants, and will also result in utility savings that could be used for future capital costs or to address tenant needs. Lowering costs will enable St. Louis County to keep rents low for non-profit organizations and maintain free or affordable admissions to community events. To find out how your organization might qualify to be a tenant at The Depot, click here.

We have had the pleasure of support from multiple folks during our years of lobbying for this ask. From elected officials like our team of County Commissioners to state Representatives and Senators, this project has gained momentum. In 2020, we were fortunate to have received $1.5 million from the state bonding bill and put it to use immediately on the first step of HVAC – “envelope integrity:” a new theatre roof, tuckpointing, a basement water abatement system (goodbye, flooding!), and a restored portico (The Depot’s front porch). Meanwhile, our teams at Architectural Advantage and Windsor Engineering have worked closely with St. Louis County to create a solid but flexible set of plans for a very unique building. Through months of pre-design and schematic design, the team has created multiple models that demonstrate just how much impact this project will have: better controls, better experiences, and a better building. At this point, we are shovel-ready for the next phase of our beautiful building’s future, including bountiful arts programming, exciting public events, enriching history opportunities, and even a brand-new train station, Northern Lights Express!

To learn more about St. Louis County's state bonding request and other legislative priorities,
new railing

Brainzzz At The Depot

Leaves are turning, the air feels crisp, and the almighty pumpkin spice latte has awoken from hibernation. It’s starting to feel downright autumnal.

One of my favorite things about this time of year is that it’s an excuse to dive into anything and everything spooky. I’m a bit of a horror junkie (my mom let me watch Alfred Hitchcock when I was too young, so blame her) and most nights in October I revisit my favorite flicks and seek out the films I haven’t seen yet. 

You see, for years I’ve been training, and now all that work will finally pay off. 

—-

Did you know that in The Creature The Black Lagoon, the Gill Man’s design was based on the statuette given to Academy Award winners? 

Well, now you know.

I bet right now you’re like “Hailey, what do you expect me to do with that information?”

Well first of all I expect you to cherish it, but if you were hoping for a more practical application of this knowledge then you’re in luck! 

On October 21st, The Depot invites you and your friends to gather in our great hall to celebrate this spooky season with a free trivia night! Be sure to bring all your horror, Halloween, and general knowledge because Trivia Mafia has partnered with us for a spooky good time! 

In addition to top-tier trivia, we’ll be joined by local food trucks. You’ll be able to purchase food, soft beverages, or drinks from a cash bar to enjoy as your team battles it out. In addition to trivia, there will be Haunted History tours before and after the competition with tickets available on our website.

I encourage you to bring your A-game because I take this sort of thing very seriously. That’s right, I’ll be competing, and I’m willing to crush anyone who stands in my way. I’m out for blood. But like, in a quirky, fun, and approachable type of way. 

What’s more fun than spooky trivia in a real (allegedly) haunted train depot? It’ll be a great way to celebrate the season and flex on your fellow nerds. 

We can’t wait to see you there!

 

A festival blending coffee, art, community, & more at The Depot

Bienvenue Where Coffee and Culture Meet

The St. Louis County Depot is brewing up something robust for Saturday, September 24th, 2022! The mission of our coffee fest is to connect community with coffee culture in an extraordinary building. We looking for new ways for everyone to experience this amazing building and to shine a light on those that call it home.

We are partnering with industry experts to bring speakers/seminars, latte art competition, demonstrations, vendors, music, children’s activities, and don’t forget the COFFEE! Visitors and community members will experience a full day of food and fun with vendors selling beans, merchandise, brewed coffee, pastries, flowers, and a myriad of treats to enjoy or take home.

Bienvenue means welcome, and that’s our goal: to make everyone feel welcome at the Depot, in Duluth and all across St. Louis County & Minnesota. We can’t think of anything more welcoming than inviting a friend over for a cup of coffee.

Mark your calendars:

September 24th 10AM-5PM

And visit our website to learn more.

https://www.experiencethedepot.org/coffee-fest/

St. Louis County Depot Vision Narrative

Depot & Extension Director Mary Tennis has been working with tenant organizations, long-time partners and other stakeholders to create a vision for the St. Louis County Depot over the past several years.

 

Mission: The St. Louis County Depot is a landmark cornerstone of arts and cultural organizations that entertains, educates, inspires, and provides space for a diverse group of guests. The St. Louis County Depot provides new, engaging experiences; is a destination and a community center; and fosters community through education and entertainment that enhances the quality of life for visitors.

Vision Statement: To provide welcoming space and foster connections for distinctive educational and cultural activity.

Vision Narrative:
It’s Fall 2025, and it’s a fantastic time to be at the Depot!

Our building is thriving on all fronts – we have been undergoing system upgrades since 2021 and they have made our building comfortable, well-lit, and easier to maintain on a daily basis. We have reached a baseline so that instead of “patching mode,” we are on a preventative maintenance schedule. This means that we are able to enjoy a comfortable environment and at the same time put a little capital into future projects (we’re about to publish our vision 2030, after all). Additionally, we have a united signage/design program that has created unity in all our common/public areas while still allowing each tenant to show their unique offerings. Our signage includes a mixture of stationary, directional signage, interactive, dynamic displays, and screens with ever-changing event/exhibit/promotional materials. There is a healthy mix of interactivity and leisure at the Depot, with several common areas developed into “pit stops” for guests and opportunities for pictures/social media moments. Our portico area has been restored and is back to its full glory – we just celebrated Twin Ports Pride with the Mayor’s proclamation kick-off and, partnering with our strong relationship we now have developed with the library, took over Michigan Street, the library courtyard, and the Great Hall! Guests enjoyed our new outdoor patio furniture, lovely potted garden, and having drinks served to them by one of our new vendors. Guests easily stream in and out of the reopened Great Hall doors, which have been updated to mitigate HVAC stress and now welcome all visitors to the Depot (though theatre-goers can still use the alternate entrances).
The space where our front desk used to be is now part of our merchandise/vendor program, and it’s perfectly tucked away while still unavoidable for the average guest. Sales for merchandise have reached a net of $100,000 for 2024, and we hope this number is increased by 5% at the end of 2025. We all agree that the hallway is much improved by the carpet replacement and fresh coat of paint.
Our guests are at an all-time high: in social media rankings, in our own surveys/outreach, in attendance numbers, and in donation money. They love coming in through the Great Hall: it inspires wonder but is also a welcoming, easily discernible space for folks to navigate. They can go in any direction to find exhibits, entertainment,
amusements, and education. They also have multiple choices for refreshments. They can grab a fine cup of coffee, a pastry/muffin, a beer, and even some protein options from the several kiosks stationed in the Great Hall and beyond in the cafeteria/classroom space that we have designated for school groups, birthday parties, and sloppy-fun educational projects! As if that wasn’t enough, we have jumped on the food truck bandwagon and now have food trucks during the day (seasonally) on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Our guests are greeted with music (often live) as we have coordinated with area musicians and musical groups to fill our Great Hall with lively (though not blaring) sound. When our guests enter, they are welcomed by our greeters who stand near the entrance in order to guide folks and let them know all the possibilities of the space.
Our tour programs regularly sell out. We have switched to a donation-based system but offer several paid tours on a daily basis during the summer/fall seasons. These tours cater to a wide range of audiences, from folks who are interested in the development of mining drills to others who want to learn about the local vibrant creative community of Anishinaabe artisans to ghost hunters who firmly believe in bumps in the night, we have tours that captivate just about any audience. It doesn’t hurt that we offer people lots of amenities along the way and are more than willing to go “off-script” with jokes and anecdotes: our mix of volunteers and paid tour staffers are absolutely the best at accommodating mostly everyone and have really raised the customer service bar. Just last week, we had a group of 120 German tourists who spent the day with us. We circulated them throughout the building in smaller groups so that they were able to enjoy each space with breaks in between. After they were suitably engaged with art, culture, and a short train ride, they were able to come back and purchase gifts and memorabilia from our small gift shop, which offers individual organizations’ goods like magnets, t-shirts, books, and water bottles, but also features a carefully curated collection of jewelry and locally-crafted items from all over St Louis County. This, compiled with donations, has led us to break even with hopes of growing programming enough to start a capital investment fund in order to develop some updated dedicated space to tour management/facilitation and our emerging education department. As if offering our guests dynamic exhibits and premium entertainment wasn’t enough, we also have a rotating cast of St Louis County tourism experts who (along with the help of maps, brochures, booklets, and the trusty internet) can give advice to travelers who wish to wander deeper into our vast county. We even have synched up with some local/county-wide tour companies so that we can offer regular departures to all points north (and some south and west), right from our own front doors. We have monthly touch-base meetings with our friends from all over St Louis County, including historical society affiliates, tourism bureaus, chambers of commerce, hotels, and other attractions so that the Depot can continue to advocate and amplify our region as a destination and a cultural resource for everyone.
Events are spectacular at the Depot. A few times a year, our Great Hall is transformed into various markets. We have a wonderful seasonal Market that hosts a plethora of local foods, gifts, and special events. We have an Iron Range Food Fest. We host a “train of food” weekend, featuring fine coffees, baked goods, and sandwiches from several local vendors. We have several events during the holidays, and have become a celebrated warming hut for winter revelers looking to warm themselves (and maybe buy a gift our two) in between holiday stops. At night, we are able to host more music, arts, and entertainment. Guests come in through the Great Hall and can see a world-class show, have a drink at one of our kiosks, and enjoy some of our nighttime offerings: Movies on Michigan; Depot After Dark; College Night Presents (could be disco, could be bingo); and many other entertaining, enriching offerings. A few times a year, we are closed to the public in order to host fundraisers for our tenants. Each annual event has an appropriate price tag as the Great Hall is known as a premium venue in our community, and even so, tickets usually sell out well in advance. We will even host weddings and other private events from time to time, as long as they don’t interfere with the public’s enjoyment of the space. Needless to say, the Depot, by all accounts, is a good place to party.
Our exhibits are also earning us much appreciation throughout social media land and beyond. Art on display has been featured on tours and some has even gone viral! Tenants have been hard at work rotating out objects and artifacts, keeping the public engaged and delighted. Our historical exhibits are doing equally as well. There are new items and talking points around every corner, and, with the cooperation of our tour programming and our educational department, the people of St Louis County have started to think of the collections here as not only a great asset, but a requirement in many curriculums. This summer we had a three-day intensive with high school engineering students who explored the world of the steam engine. They helped clean, assemble, and run a steam train, and even spent the night at the Depot. As busy as our theaters are, we have been able to synch up with them and feature interactive signage that clearly informs visitors about theater history and current successes. We have a small display up now through Thanksgiving that features props from the theater performances from the past and a director’s cut playlist of musical numbers.
We also have Depot-driven events and exhibits that we devise to engage all who may visit, from wrestling to mimes. In 2023, we had “hockey” as a theme throughout, with memorabilia, testimonials, and professionals stopping by and hosting train trips. Next year, we plan to showcase a collection of Faberge eggs – with demonstrations for kids in the classroom, a (faux) Faberge egg hunt, and the real McCoys on display in the Small Fesler Gallery. We also have been coordinating with other area attractions like Glensheen, Giant’s Ridge, Camp Esquagama, the Aquarium, Zeitgeist, Bentleyville, and the William A Irvin to sponsor joint exhibits, events, and wayfinding – through trains, trolleys, busses, bike-sharing, and even a rickshaw! We love partnering with as many
attractions as possible, as this widespread collaborative effort has had a measurable impact on Duluth’s visitor traffic and indeed the whole of the Arrowhead and St Louis County.
More people are finding the Depot as well: the City of Duluth as well as Canal Park Business Association, Greater Downtown Council, the new Duluth marketing team, and Visit Duluth have really helped in our pursuit to get signage on I-35, downtown, and increase the signage in the skywalk and Lakewalk. Additionally, since the overpass connecting us to Bayfront has been improved for pedestrians with a traffic barrier, we have been able to secure signage and even paint the sidewalk so that there is a very clear link between us and the wonderful attractions of our waterfront. Additionally, we have been working very closely with the library to join public spaces together. There is talk of perhaps even building a skywalk or blocking off our shared block of Michigan Street and creating a green space between the two community hubs (with room for food trucks, of course!).
Extension has integrated into the Depot. Youth in Action has established a small drop-in area where youth can stop by, connect with resources, and develop plans for programming. Area businesses, non-profit organizations, and individuals have become much more aware of YIA through proximity alone, and events, exhibits, and programming in the building brings even more visibility to YIA and other St. Louis County initiatives. In 2024, we hosted a kick-off to the school year in the Great Hall for area youth, who grabbed YIA t-shirts, cupcakes, and other swag while they participated in trivia and a selfie contest by the new mural. The event was a blast, and we gained 75 new YIA participants for the year on our online sign-up.
4-H is also located at the Depot, with educators and support staff buzzing in and out of the building. Weekly meetings for 4-H clubs are happening throughout the year, and our improved classroom space has technology available for virtual and in-person interactivity. The public can sign up for information about 4-H throughout the building or drop into the offices and pick up cookbooks, activity sheets, fair information, and more. We even have an annual State Fair exhibit featuring North and South St. Louis County fair entries; this exhibit generates thousands of visitors from all across the nation who are fascinated and delighted with Minnesota’s commitment to 4-H.
We have created a new position, a Cultural Coordinator, who continues to find unique ways to connect Extension programming and goals with history, art, and culture. This position has provided thousands of youth and families with Depot tours, St. Louis County history, and creative educational programming, and many other counties throughout the state are developing similar positions for their own cultural sites.
Master Gardeners have made the Depot their own, with plant sales, lectures, sign-ups, and an annual gala in the Depot Great Hall. Their cookbooks are always on sale in the gift shop, and the side garden has served as an experimental growing site since 2023.
In 2024, we began to create the 2035 Depot Vision, a series of workshops with Extension, tenant organizations, community stakeholders, and St. Louis County leadership. It is the boldest vision yet, and we celebrated the final draft with a public celebration and publication in county-wide newspaper.
We have counted, through ordinary daily admission and booked tours, 100,000 visitors in 2024, and we are hoping to surpass that number to 125,000 in 2025. More importantly, through surveys and general feedback, our guests feel at home at the Depot, even when coming from afar. Our staff, volunteers, docents, and leaders are all mobilized, engaged, and excited about Depot Vision 2035, and are proud to offer this incredible community resource to the fantastic residents of St Louis County and beyond. Most of us leave the building feeling deep down that we have made a contribution, and have tried to improve the quality of life for every individual who made a stop at the Depot.

Minnesota Hockey – A Tradition Almost As Old As The Depot

Hey all. My name is Hailey Eidenschink, I’m the program coordinator at the St. Louis County Depot, and for the past several weeks I’ve been developing a pop-up exhibit on Minnesota hockey. 

My community didn’t have a hockey program and I would never describe myself as a sports fan. But it turns out those things aren’t required to love hockey. I was born during the dark age between Minnesota’s NHL franchises and during one of those early Minnesota Wild game broadcasts, I remember sitting with my father as he explained basic rules. He told me about how the team that he had grown up watching had been bought and moved to Texas, and how the Wild were brand new. What I recall the most vividly from those memories is feeling my dad’s excitement, and now as an adult, I know that it’s because he was excited to share this new team with me and my sister. 

The goal of this exhibit was to try to explain why so many people feel so connected to hockey, and why Minnesotans take such pride in being associated with the sport. I’ve never played a single second of hockey, but the game makes me feel nostalgic in a way that is extremely difficult to express. I’m a particularly sentimental person (probably why I’m such a big museum geek) but I know that many folks feel similarly emotionally connected to hockey. The cultural impact that this game has had across Minnesota is undeniable, and its importance is felt particularly strong here in St. Louis County. 

I hope that this exhibit can capture just a little bit of the magic of Minnesota Hockey, and to all of you non-Minnesotan’s, I hope that it can help you make sense of all us crazy folks up north. 

Welcoming Statement

Hey there. My name is Hailey, but you may know me as the girl they keep putting on camera for our marketing videos. However, right now I’m the girl writing this blog post.

As today’s blogger, I’d love to share with you some of the cool things happening at the Depot.

Our crew has been hard at work developing a welcoming statement for the building which discusses our goals for diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion. After many hours of effort and seeking guidance from many wonderful resources shared by cultural organizations across the country, I am happy to present that statement to you.

The St. Louis County Depot is committed to being an accessible organization that celebrates and welcomes visitors of all backgrounds. We strive to provide programming that encourages lifelong learning and fosters engagement amongst people of any socioeconomic status, race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, and identity.

Education is a core value for organizations housed in the Depot, and we understand the importance of fostering an environment where all people are valued and respected as they explore the cultures, arts, and heritage of our region. We are committed to reaching underserved people through sustainable, inclusive programming. 

It is our desire to create an environment in which equity, inclusion, and collaboration are at the forefront of all we do. The Depot strives to be an asset to our community by reflecting a rich diversity of perspectives and celebrating the people who call St. Louis County home. 

So now we have a statement…but what’s next?

I’m glad you asked!

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we have been working to create policy and programming that welcomes more people to experience The Depot. Through these efforts we have already been able to partner with two incredible community organizations; YWCA Duluth’s Girl Power, and Choice Unlimited.

We talked about Girl Power in a previous blog post, but just as a reminder, this organization held its 2021 summer camp inside The Depot. For five weeks this YWCA Duluth camp-inspired girls through activities focusing on leadership, economic literacy, outdoor education, healthy choices, and S.T.E.M. It sounds like a lot of fun to me!

Choice Unlimited is a Duluth-based non-profit organization that supports adults with disabilities and individuals who experience barriers to employment and community inclusion. The organization works to create and enhance opportunities for its clients in St. Louis and Douglas County. We are happy to say that Choice Unlimited has begun collaborating with The Depot and The Duluth Playhouse to utilize our spaces and create inclusive programming that empowers people with disabilities.

We’re so excited to see how these partnerships continue to grow and evolve. It is our greatest hope that The Depot will continue to be a cornerstone of the community, and that we can make our space more accessible to all.

It’s All Connect!

It’s All Connected!

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEOS

Did you know that St. Louis County is divided into seven commissioner-lead districts? Each of these districts all have unique identities: from beguiling nature to art communities – from rich history to unique shopping – from exceptional buildings to beautiful people. Obviously, St. Louis County is a pretty amazing destination, and these districts shine individually, but we shine even brighter together – just like our collaborators here in the St. Louis County Depot!

Each individual organization provides a service to our community by preserving history, educating by engagement, and spotlighting the arts, but together we are the Depot – always connecting culture and curiosity. 

The Depot & St. Louis County are connected in so many ways … it’s almost suspicious. Our tour guide, Hailey, has the high-powered sleuthing savvy to highlight in a mere matter of minutes all (or almost all, anyway) the bright spots when you explore inside the walls of the Depot and beyond. Come with us on this seven-part (district) journey that connects culture & curiosity in the Depot and across the county. Wonder awaits!

Starting today – each Wednesday a new video will be released on the St. Louis County Depot’s YouTube & Social Media (Facebook & Instagram).

Created by talented local filmmaker, Mike Scholtz, with the support and creative talents of Kristin Johnson & Hailey Eidenschink of the St. Louis County Depot team.

Girl Power!

As we approach the dog days of summer, our Depot team has been enjoying all the wonderful things that come with the season. Ice cold lemonade, Saturdays on the shore of Lake Superior, and of course summer camp.

When you come to visit The St. Louis County Depot, you might just spot some camp activities here in our building!

YWCA Duluth’s Girl Power! Is an after-school, lunch, and summer program that provides engaging and empowering experiences for girls in our community. And this summer the Depot is the home base for their camp program. Campers will be bouncing all around our facility and will be partnering with the organizations that call the Depot home for unique activities and experiences that can only happen here – from behind the scene looks at how museums operate, to performing in a professional theatre, to understanding the physics of a locomotive. We’re so excited to be working with YWCA Duluth and to show a whole new audience that this nearly 130-year-old train depot still holds new things to discover!

For more information, or how you can get involved contact YWCA coordinator Morgan at morgan@ywcaduluth.org or 218-464-2433.

 

Bienvenue Coffee Fest

The Depot Will Host Bienvenue Coffee Fest

Bienvenue means welcome in French and we can’t think of a better way to welcome folks to The Depot than with a cup of coffee. The Depot is pleased to announce that the first annual Bienvenue Coffee Fest will take place this summer in and around the historic St. Louis County Depot in downtown Duluth at 506 West Michigan Street. Bienvenue Coffee Fest will take place on Saturday, July 10, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. We invite visitors to sample delicious food and beverages from local and regional coffee and tea vendors, bakeries, and coffee shops. Food and drink vendors include Alakef Coffee, Duluth Coffee Company, The Rustic Inn, Mocha Moose, Ishtar Coffee, That Cupcake Lady, Mike and Jens Cocoa, King of Creams, and many more.

The Fest will boast an array of art, handicrafts, and gifts from local artisans, florists, and specialty shops. Artist Annmarie Geniusz will be creating a beautiful chalk mural throughout the day and a variety of our Depot galleries and exhibits will be open for visitors to enjoy. Live music from local performers, plus demonstrations, hands-on activities for kids, and more will also help brew up fun times at the Depot! To view a full list of Bienvenue Coffee Fest vendors, a schedule of activities and performances, and details about the event, please visit: experiencethedepot.org/coffee-fest or our Facebook page, St. Louis County Depot.

For more info or to arrange an interview, please contact Kristin Johnson at johnsonk2@stlouiscountymn.gov or 218-733-7571.