Finding Funds

After a long time waiting we finally did get funded. It was a straining five month process which in turn we ended up going a different direction to find funds. Our original plan was applying through the state of Minnesota, through the Minnesota State Historical Society. By no means am I trying to knock that process, they have a wonderful grant called the Legacy Grant. This grant is what we applied for and is designed to enrich various communities around Minnesota. It supports projects throughout the state, crucial to the various communities that are distant from the Metro areas. We applied twice for this grant and both times were told to resubmit with certain areas to be revised for the ACTUAL format and not the ACTUAL idea of the project. We were told the project was "worthy" but because of a few i's and t's not being crossed in a specific manner we were never able to attain the grant. I always believe that these types of funding is a necessity for people and organizations that are trying seek funds to provide valuable projects for their communities. I also understand the process comes with an intensive scrutiny when evaluating projects and meriting distributing funds. But I am pretty impatient when it comes to things I want, or information I'd like to know. Those closet to me know this, and if the state wants to overanalyze the requests to use their checkbook, then that is their business. One day after they told us to resubmit I spoke with Ryan and said let's go elsewhere for funds. Nine days later we had a check to go ahead with the project. Anyone seeking grant money be sure to prepare months of time waiting to know if you are even going to receive the money. Maybe others are a little more patient in those types of matters, but I'm not, and we did what we had to do and now we are off and running...........

Sorry for the rant. It's just been a headache for five months that finally got fixed. We have come across some interesting things that are coming here in the next week. We have a roundtable conversation being held at Thornecrest Senior Center here on Wednesday. Plain and simple we will be letting our cameras roll. We have been told that the older generation there have some great stories about downtown Albert Lea. I'd like to say it'll be easy as just pushing record but I understand it'll be a little different from that. Although once we get this crowd talking about their experiences we may not have enough space in our memory cards to record it all, or at least that would be an ideal situation. It also sounds like the Albert Lea Tribune is doing a follow up story and coming with us to the senior center, which is exciting to get some local press on our project.

We also have lined up time to meet with the current architect of the once, Freeborn National Bank building, some call it The Vault. It's the big vacant building next to Brick Furniture and Stadheim Jewelers. Our cameras took a tour earlier this week and, since never being in the building, I found it to be quite interesting. It'll be even more interesting to hear what the architect will have to say about the structures of the building. I'm a little bit of a history dork, so it may be more interesting to me, but the way it'll be presented I'm sure plenty of people will find it interesting.

We have a large project load ahead of us, but we continue to chip away. I am humbled by the response so far, getting stopped out in public to talk or at work. The emails we receive and the stories they reveal have all been inspiring. This community response makes all of this worth it to keep pressing on with this project. With that being said we thank you. Hope all is well and more to come soon.

After five months in financing limbo, we were able to celebrate.  

This is the Freeborn National Bank building, also known as The Vault. The building was built in 1920. And it lays completely vacant. It use to house a bank, medical offices and apartment buildings. 

At the end of February we sat down at the bar over a drink and memories.  What was created was an idea, and this idea has been griping us for almost six months now. With perseverance and patience the documentary that we had envisioned is now going to be created. Buildings of Broadway has been officially given the green light. (whew). The process of trying to find financing has been trying, and exhausting. It's also something that has caused a few headaches and let's just say a few words that may offend some people. But with that said, as do much in all of life, sometimes you just need to wait it out and catch the opportunity when it arrives. Throughout it all though we have been continuing on with the project the best way we can. It's been an exciting time listening and reading stories of various people about their memories of downtown Albert Lea.  And quite frankly it's the positive response that this project is getting that has kept us believing that this is a project worth the continuous  pursuit. I could get winded about what the project is, but I think I'll just try to sum it up briefly.

Buildings of Broadway

1) It's a documentary, pertaining specifically downtown Albert Lea, with Broadway being a primary focus.
2) The focus is to provide a historical look at what businesses used to be in these buildings, and a current focus on what is currently occupying them now.
3) We have long time residents who are willing to allow us to put them on camera, having them explain what downtown Albert Lea had been throughout the years.
4) We are also using photos and history we have researched about these buildings in the film. From buildings that are no longer there, to the ones that have been vacant for years, to the businesses that remain to the ones that are long gone.
5) Plenty of these buildings have levels in them where businesses just packed up and left, but left plenty of their remains to tell the stories that they hold. You will know what I mean when you see some of the photos in this post.

This post is just the beginning. It's really only to try to explain what this project is all about. With all the interviews, building explorations, photos and randomness this project will promise to produce all the other posts will become an interest in coming back to see the next post. As this project continues to captivate us. Enjoy the photos, and wish us luck. Because we got the money now, barely have the time, but luck will push this over the top. Hope all is well friends...... the next blog will describe the brutality of trying to submit a grant for state money. HAHAHA. and HAHAHA. What?! Yeah you'll know soon. Cheers.

 These two photos are above Christian and Peterson law offices. 

Still trying to find out what this saloon was called.

 Brick Furniture resides in the department store that started as the company on the next picture. This original billboard is hard to see from the street, but they were the original department store.

 Skinner was one of the first department stores in the country to have an escalator. 

This is located in a very familiar back alley downtown Albert Lea. Anybody have an idea where.

Keep checking back, trust me there is plenty more...........