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St. Louis County will begin the largest renovation of The Depot in more than 50 years with a public kickoff event March 3 in Duluth.
County officials and tenant organizations will host a community celebration, “Legacy in Motion,” at 5 p.m. in the Great Hall of the St. Louis County Heritage and Arts Center, widely known as The Depot. The public is invited.
The two-year construction project will modernize critical building systems, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure, along with heating, ventilation and air conditioning upgrades. County leaders said the improvements are necessary to preserve the 1892 landmark, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and ensure its continued use as a regional arts and cultural hub.
Artifacts uncovered during pre-construction work will be displayed at the event, along with original blueprints of the historic building. County representatives and tenant leaders will outline renovation plans and explain how programming and operations will continue throughout construction.
Attendees will have an opportunity to write notes reflecting on memories of The Depot or hopes for its future. The messages will be compiled to help document the building’s legacy, with select notes placed in a time capsule as part of the renovation project. Light appetizers and an open bar will be provided.
The Depot has welcomed visitors to Duluth and St. Louis County since 1892. St. Louis County acquired the building in 1977 and has operated it as a center for arts, history and cultural programming.
The facility attracts an average of 200,000 visitors each year for events and exhibits. Tenant organizations include the Lake Superior Railroad Museum, North Shore Scenic Railroad, Duluth Superior Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis County Historical Society, Minnesota Ballet, Lyric Opera of the North, Arrowhead Regional Arts Council and the Depot Foundation.
Additional information about the renovation and Depot programming is available at experiencethedepot.org.
