Nonprofit Purchases Lake Elmo Elementary School Site for $4.25 Million
A significant development is underway in the Stillwater area, as Valley Community Center Partners Inc., a nonprofit organization, has entered into an agreement to purchase the current Lake Elmo Elementary School site for $4.25 million. The site, located at 11030 Stillwater Blvd. N, includes the building and 12.86 acres of land. The nonprofit plans to build a new community center on the site, featuring an array of amenities such as an aquatics facility, fitness and recreation spaces, courts for multiple sports, youth activity areas, gathering spaces, and programs catering to people of all ages and abilities.
Vision and Objectives
The organization’s vision is to create a central, accessible place that promotes social connection, physical and mental wellness, and recreational opportunities for the entire St. Croix Valley region. As stated on their website, “At this time, no equivalent community resource exists.” The group aims to address this gap by providing a comprehensive community center that serves the diverse needs of the local population.
Potential demolition costs for the existing building are already accounted for within the district’s voter-approved bond proceeds, according to district officials. The organization will have a 210-day due-diligence period to review title, survey, environmental, soil, and feasibility considerations. The closing is scheduled for December 1, 2026, or earlier by mutual agreement, allowing the district to complete the current school year before moving into the new Lake Elmo Elementary building.
Community Support and Partnerships
Valley Community Center Partners has been working tirelessly to create a central, accessible community hub within the boundaries of the Stillwater Area School District. In 2023, the group conducted a survey of over 1,300 residents, which revealed that nearly 90% of respondents supported an indoor pool. The survey also highlighted the importance of multi-purpose gyms, group exercise, indoor play, community gathering, indoor run/jog, and teens programs, with over 80% of responders indicating these amenities were essential.
Dianne Polasik, vice president of the board, emphasized the significance of partnerships in achieving their goals. “From the beginning, this has always been about partnerships,” she said. The nonprofit plans to engage with officials from the city, Washington County, and area foundations to explore potential collaborations and funding opportunities. Lake Elmo Mayor Charles Cadenhead expressed his excitement about the possibility of a new community center, stating that it would “definitely fill a need for Lake Elmo and the surrounding area.”
Funding and Future Plans
Valley Community Center Partners will need to raise approximately $45 million to construct the indoor pool and community center. Polasik acknowledged that this is a significant undertaking but expressed confidence in the community’s support. “The biggest thing has always been that swimming pool, so that’s non-negotiable,” she said. The organization’s commitment to creating a comprehensive community center is evident in their dedication to listening to the community’s ideas and needs.
As the project moves forward, Valley Community Center Partners remains focused on their mission to provide a central, accessible community hub for the St. Croix Valley region. With the purchase of the Lake Elmo Elementary School site, the nonprofit has taken a significant step towards realizing their vision. For more information about Valley Community Center, visit thevalleycenter.org. Read more about this development Here
Image Source: www.twincities.com
