Article by: Courtney Bergey Swanson
A Spring Grove neighborhood will welcome a new home called the Spring Grove Heritage House next year, thanks to an innovative partnership between the Spring Grove Economic Development Authority (led by CEDA staff Courtney Bergey Swanson and Rebecca Charles), Spring Grove Schools, Habitat for Humanity, and local architectural designer Miranda Moen. As the first Norwegian settlement in Minnesota, Spring Grove’s rich heritage is the cornerstone of this project. “We want to honor the unique identity of the town while applying it to the modern challenge of affordable housing,” said Swanson. “We also hope that this opportunity deepens the sense of belonging for our students, who will leave a remarkable legacy—an actual home for a family in need—with this project.” Students in the high school’s Makerspace program have been working with Moen to design a modern Norwegian-style home; after the home design is complete, the students and community volunteers will work with Habitat for Humanity to build the home, which is set to be completed by fall 2019.
“We want to honor the unique identity of the town while applying it to the modern challenge of affordable housing,” said Swanson. “We also hope that this opportunity deepens the sense of belonging for our students, who will leave a remarkable legacy-an actual home for a family in need-with this project.” Students in the high school’s Makerspace program have been working with Moen to design a modern Norwegian-style home; after the home design is complete, the students and community volunteers will work with Habitat for Humanity to build the home, which is set to be completed by fall 2019. Click here to read more about this project.
