Living Stewardship

Community support prepares the Turnblad Mansion for its next century.

The Turnblad Mansion is one of Minnesota’s true architectural gems, and for more than a century it has remained a place for the community to share meaningful experiences around art, culture, heritage and community. Over the last ten years, ASI and our community have together completed a series of projects to prepare this historic building for its next hundred years as a gathering place. Most recently, these projects have been driven by ASI’s goal to fully restore the Turnblad Mansion to its original state, to open areas of the Mansion previously inaccessible to the public, and to offer an improved experience for all Mansion visitors. With the completion of two major projects led by HGA Architects and Engineers, ASI is now equipped with a complete understanding of what must be done to restore the Turnblad Mansion in its entirety. Contributions from individuals and families, bolstered by grants from private foundations and the Minnesota Historical Society, have enabled the completion of a historic building conditions assessment and the development of construction documents to guide all necessary restoration work. The Conditions Assessment is a transformational milestone for ASI as it documents in comprehensive detail every preservation issue throughout the Turnblad Mansion that is present in this beloved building after more than century. No stone was left unturned in this assessment; no extension cord left un-commented-upon. In tandem with the Construction Documents, which detail the type of work that must be done and estimate each project’s costs, ASI is equipped with a complete picture of the work ahead. Place matters. Community matters. And this place matters to our community. Continue to check ASI’s Mansion Musings videos online, and to watch Posten for updates on plans for the restoration of this historic asset.

For more information or to make a gift, contact Christiana Stolpestad, Director of Engagement, at (612) 870-3354 or christys@asimn.org.

Visby Window Assessment

The Visby Window undergoes assessment to determine if restoration is needed.

Veranda Repairs

The Turnblad Mansion’s veranda will undergo a full repair in 2021-2022.

2021

2020

Norse Saga Room

The Norse Saga Room is installed in the lower level of the Turnblad Mansion.

Construction Documents

HGA Architects and Engineers completes a roadmap for the work that must take place within the Turnblad Mansion.

Veranda Stabilization

The Turnblad Mansion veranda undergoes stabilization following the discovery of structural

2019

The Stuga

ASI refreshes the beloved Stuga in the Turnblad Mansion’s lower level.

Kitchen Restoration

The Turnblad Mansion’s historic kitchen undergoes major restoration.

Grand Hall Carpet Restoration

A replica of the original 1908 carpet is installed in the Turnblad Mansion’s Grand Hall.

2018

2017

2015

2013

2012

2011

Turnblad Mansion Stewardship Projects

issues.

Historic Building Conditions Assessment

ASI gains a comprehensive understanding of all areas of the Turnblad Mansion in need of restoration.

Roof Repairs

Repairs are made to the Carriage House and Turnblad Mansion roofing.

Campus Expansion

The Nelson Cultural Center opens to the public, empowering ASI to open its doors wider as a gathering place for all people.