Updates
The new space we are considering includes two other ventures in addition to our own: a museum honoring the Schmidt Brewery's rich history and a microbrewery and taproom. Our architect is working with the owners of the other ventures to coordinate efforts, and we eagerly await the first draft of a site plan for the new space.

Recent Wins
1. Local artist, Aaron Dysart, recently walked the new space with us. His rich background in fabrication and building out raw spaces was very beneficial and helpful as he gave a lot of good

2. We recently joined a cohort of Minnesota ArtPlace America grantees looking to explore learning opportunities together and learn from each other about the creative placemaking work we are doing. This is a wonderful way to get to know our peers and support each other's work.

3. Blue Ox Mini Golf received a donation from McNally Smith College of Arts in thanks for one of our members presenting to an Arts Administration class.

4. West Seventh continues to experience tremendous economic growth. More businesses have opened including a newly revamped coffee shop, The Burn Unit, a new restaurant, Seventh Street Social, a new fitness center, Never Alone Fitness, and a furniture consignment store, Dillon Noyes.

Insight/Provocation
Although "breaking ground" is taking longer than we'd planned, it is amazing how much there is to do. In some ways, considering the new space is like starting over, thinking through the different needs a year-round operation requires, etc.  The more we talk with other people, program developers from nonprofit organizations and small business owners, we keep on learning, adjusting and improving. None of us is as smart as all of us.