An idea is hatched
In 2013, members of the local American Legion post came to the Herman Development Corporation with an idea. The Legion’s 40-year-old Legion building, which has served as the community’s gathering place for large meetings and special events, needed significant rehabilitation. The Legion could exhaust its funds in refurbishing its building or the post could sell the property and invest that money in another facility—a community center in which it could rent space. Herman is one of few communities in this area (perhaps around the state) that does not have a true community center.
The Herman Development Corporation decided to purchase the old Wells-Olson building, excellently situated in the heart of downtown Herman. A fundraising and planning committee was formed, and an architect hired to develop a concept and floor plan.
An outpouring of support
In late January, the Herman Development Corporation hosted a town hall meeting to share ideas about the community center. Since then we have talked to a number of area residents one-on-one about the benefits of the center and the importance of their donations to make it a reality. The response has been overwhelming. So far, we have received cash donations and pledges totaling more than $570,000, payable over a three-year period. Others have said they will donate time and labor. Some farmers have agreed to donate grain, which will be converted to cash. We have applied for and continue to pursue grant opportunities. The American Legion will donate money once it has sold its property. At some point the city of Herman will become the owner of the center.
Demolition started Monday August 25th, 2014
On Monday August 25th, 2014 the demolition began on the Wells-Olson and Bartell buildings in Herman, Minnesota. The Wells Building site will be the home of the new Community Center.
As day 2 of the demolition ended, both building came down and a community had come together as a team.
Day 3 is all about getting things cleaned up, the crews worked all day. What an amazing job by all involved.
Demolition Begins
Demolition Day 2
 Demolition of the Wells-OlsonPreparing for the demolition of the Wells-Olson Building to make way for the Herman Community Center. |
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 Herman Community comes together |
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 Young and old show up to HermanYoung and old show up to Herman to help. |
 Herman residents work togetherThank you to the Vipond's for baling the straw. The bales are used to protect the Herman Bar and Grill's roof during the process of the demolition. |
 Jim Riley & Sons ConstructionA big thank you to Jim Riley & Sons Construction & Excavating. |
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 Support our communityClick here now to make a donation. |
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Donation today and....Kensington Bank will make a matching donation to support the Community Center Project. |
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Thank you for all the donations!We have made HUGE progress with the support of the community donations, we have a ways to go. If you have not made your donation please do so by clicking here. |
Community Center Project
 Wells-Olson Building is downDemolition Day 2. By the end of the day the building is down. |
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 Looks like a parade...No it is called HERMAN COMMUNITY SUPPORT! |
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 Full show of supportCamera, video recorders, and cell phone captured the history in the making ... as the Wells Building gave way to make room for the new community center. |
 Photo mania in HermanCamera, video recorders, and cell phone captured the history in the making ... as the Wells Building gave way to make room for the new community center. |
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 Day 3 clean up beganDay 3 didn't bring the crowds to watch the work that was taking place, but much was accomplished as load after load went to the dump. |
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 Wagner Company Inc. Herman, MNA great job was done by Wagner Company Inc. Thank you so much! |
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 Fridgen Excavating |
 Fridgen ExcavatingThank you for all your hard work. |
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 Jody Coleman, Elbow Lake, MNThank you |
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 Vipond FarmsThank you |
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 Herman Community Center |
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 Proposed Community Center Herman, MNCommunity Center for Herman, MN Floorplan |
 Proposed Community Center Herman, MNCommunity Center for Herman, MN 3D Floorplan |
Wells Building 2014
 Wells Building Closeup - August 2014Wells Building Closeup |
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 Wells Building - August 2014Wells West Side |
 Wells Building - August 2014Wells Builidng Southwest Corner |
 Wells Building - August 2014Wells Building Southwest Corner |
 Wells Building - August 2014Wells Building East Side |
 Wells Building - August 2014Wells Building East Side |
 Wells Building - August 2014Wells Building East Side |
 Wells Building - August 2014Wells Building & Herman Post Office |
 Wells Building - August 2014Herman Bar & Grill / West Side |
 Wells Building - August 2014Herman Bar & Grill / West Side |
 Wells Building - August 2014Herman Bar & Grill / West Side |
 Wells Building - August 2014Herman Bar & Grill / Northwest Corner |
 Wells Building - August 2014Herman Bar & Grill / Northwest Corner |
 Wells Building - August 2014Herman Bar & Grill / North Side |