05. ADDITION Letter of Support for SHA T-Mobile Hometown Grantm i n n e s o t a
September 29, 2025
Dear T-Mobile Hometown Grants Committee:
On behalf of the City of Scandia, I would like to express enthusiastic support for Scandia
Heritage Alliance's effort to rebuild the Scandia Water Tower Barn as the heart of a new arts
and heritage center on city parkland. The City of Scandia has a redevelopment agreement
with Scandia Heritage Alliance (SHA) and is finalizing a lease agreement that enables SHA
to lease the site for $1 a year. The lease arrangement is a requirement of the funding
allocated in the State of Minnesota's 2023 Capital Investment Bill. These state -funded
projects require that the Municipality own the land, and the nonprofit leases the site.
Scandia is a small town with deep cultural roots, but relatively little access to arts and music.
Each year, our community comes together for events like Vinterfest and Spelmansstamman
(a fiddle festival), which celebrate tradition while fostering connection across generations.
Water Tower Barn Scandia arts and heritage center will build on this foundation, elevating
Scandia's community spirit with theatre, live music, art classes, and historic displays and
history series events that are family -friendly and accessible to all.
This project would:
• Activate an under -used public space in a way that is welcoming and accessible.
• Provide opportunities for local businesses and civic groups to engage,
strengthening the fabric of our town.
• Offer young people and families enriching cultural experiences, enhancing
Scandia's quality of life.
As Mayor, I see firsthand how vital shared connections are to the health of our community. A
T-Mobile Hometown Grant would help Scandia build an amazing venue that celebrates local
talent, preserves our stories and heritage, and increases community pride. The City of
Scandia stands firmly behind this project, and we are committed to supporting its success.
Sincerely,
Steve Kro mile
Mayor, City of Scandia
14727 20911' St. N.. Scandia, Minnesota 55073
Phone (651) 433-2274 Fax (651) 433-5112 https://www.cityofscandia.com