2023.02.06 Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Strategy for Maintaining Momentum Recognizing the amount of time it will take to raise the funding to fully restore the schoolhouse, the Committee has closely considered how to maintain momentum in the years leading up to the opening of the heritage center, with a focus on ensuring that every dollar raised is used efficiently and effectively to accelerate progress toward the goal. Two key strategies have emerged: Position the Restoration Project as the first Community Engagement and Leadership initiative run by the Hopkins Schoolhouse and Heritage Center. Beyond raising the funds needed to restore the schoolhouse, the act of restoring the building provides an opportunity to demonstrate the mission of the new non-profit in action. To achieve this aim, we will: (1)Work to engage contractors from the local community to: •Provide updated estimates on all phases of the restoration work. •Enlist their support to approach vendors regarding donated materials and labor. •Inquire about other local community and business leaders who may wish to get involved with the project. This is an approach that has already proven successful for the project. Highlighted Example: Doug and DJ Amundson with Precise Exteriors installed the temporary covering on the roof, soffit, and chimney on the building, paid the labor charges directly, volunteered several hours to help with planning, hanging solar lights and signage, and providing guidance on options available to approach the first two phases of the project. •Precise Exteriors’ involvement saved the project more than $2,500 on the temporary roof and soffit covering. •The new estimate provided by Precise Exteriors for the permanent repair of the roof and siding is approximately $145,000 less than the amount quoted in the preliminary cost estimate provided by Greiner in October of 2021. Beyond the work on the building, Doug has also made important connections to others in the community who are making impactful contributions to the project. This includes connecting the team with Brigg Backer who donated his time to produce and release the YouTube video helping to raise awareness of the project – the video has been viewed more than 1,100 times. (2)Seek to partner with training programs that: •Engage with communities on restoration projects. •Play a role in connecting students with community engagement initiatives. This strategy can both help to demonstrate the mission of the Heritage Center in action and help lower restoration costs. Highlighted Example: The Northern Bedrock Project is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop enduring workforce and life skills through service learning in historic preservation and community stewardship. They use a conservation corps model to provide young adults (18-25) hands-on experience and training in the historic preservation trades. Each crew includes 5-6 corps members who complete a 9-day hitch rotation. They work along technical instructors who teach and mentor them to maintain and repair historic resources, including structures. The Northern Bedrock Project has agreed to come out to the site (as soon as weather allows) to assess and make recommendations on projects that would be suitable for their corps. A key component of our landscape assessment will include identifying other potential partners (e.g. technical colleges, trade unions) that could partner in similar ways. Leverage a strategic communications plan to provide a front row seat to the restoration, highlighting the people who are engaged and contributing to the effort. To-date communications for the project have been managed primarily through the Old Forest Lake and the Hopkins