Located in the city known as the gateway to Minnesota's Central Lakes District, Franklin Arts Center transformed the former junior high school into a lively community of artists, artisans, arts organizations, and arts-friendly businesses. The mixed-use development includes 25 units of affordable live/work space for creatives and their families, artist studios, commercial space, and community space in the form of two gymnasiums and an auditorium.
Architect: Miller Dunwiddie Architecture
Community Partner: Crossing Arts Alliance; Brainerd Public Schools
Funders: Blandin Foundation; Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation; Bremer Bank, Brainerd; Crow Wing County Soil and Water Conservation District; Initiative Foundation; Land O'Lakes, Inc.; Mardag Foundation; Mid-Minnesota Credit Union; Otto Bremer Foundation
Financial Partners: Brainerd Lakes Area Development Corporation; Brainerd Public Schools; Crow Wing County; Greater Minnesota Housing Fund; Minnesota Department of Employment & Economic Development; National Equity Fund; National Park Service/Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office; U.S. Bancorp
Live/Work Affordable Artist Housing
25
146,789 sq. ft.
Resident gallery, a historic look and feel
Being at the Franklin Arts Center gives my work credibility and gives me permission to truly be an artist. I am now doing my dream.
