On December 27, 1993, Blindness: Learning in New Dimensions (BLIND), Inc. and the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota (NFBM) purchased the Charles S. Pillsbury mansion. This building, which is listed on the national and state Registers of Historic Places, houses the classrooms, offices, meeting rooms, and serves as operational headquarters for both organizations. Shortly after purchasing the building, both organizations entered into a Joint Venture Agreement which outlined the responsibilities of each as joint owners of the property. The Board of Directors of each organization make up the Board of the Joint Venture with responsibility for operation and management of the building.
Major external structural and internal repairs must be made to maintain this historic building. The Joint Venture board met to establish a committee to carry out a capital campaign. Finances for the capital campaign are itemized under BLIND, Inc. The boards appointed Shawn Mayo chair of the Capital Campaign Committee. Members of this committee are Shawn Mayo, Joyce Scanlan, Tom Scanlan, Bob Hildebrandt, RoseAnn Faber, Kasondra Payne, Betty Bishman, Jennifer Dunnam, and Dick Davis.
Foundation grants include E. M. Pearson ($15,000) and The Thorpe Foundation ($10,000). Additional funds have been received from members of BLIND, Incorporated and NFBM through personal donations. In addition, several events brought in community support.
A Holiday Tea kicked off the Capital Campaign. Staff and students of BLIND, Inc. prepared food, held a reception, and performed a short play for alumni of BLIND, Inc. and other guests. Following the play, Joyce Scanlan, Shawn Mayo, and John Williams (business manager of the Minneapolis Construction and Trades Council) made a Capital Campaign presentation and solicited donations. Nearly $2,000 in contributions and pledges from our own members were raised that evening.
Summer brought about the first Ice Cream and Hot Dog Social to raise money for the Capital Campaign. Many local and out-state companies donated items for this event. Hormel Foods donated all-beef hot dogs and Edy’s gave ice cream. Other donors included: CaterRent, Target, SuperValue, Holiday Foods, Mark VII Distributors, and Pan O’Gold Baking Company.
One of the major developments benefiting the Capital Campaign was the partnership developed with the Minneapolis Construction and Trades Council. Under this agreement, the member unions of the Council will make restoration of the building a major focus of their apprenticeship programs. Apprentices supervised by the unions will provide free labor, with the Capital Campaign paying for materials. Members will donate their time, and use the projects as training opportunities for their apprentices. Projects will include plastering, plumbing, and carpentry.
In addition, John Williams offered to write letters to foundations, and speak at fundraising events to demonstrate the Minneapolis Construction and Trades Council’s support and investment to the Capital Campaign.
Several expenditures for repairs have already occurred. A skylight broke and had to be replaced. It was necessary to replace some broken windows on the North side of the building with wire glass, and re-glaze the inside windows. We are also preparing to replace the carpeting on the east and west stairwells.
Consulting Services Company completed an exterior restoration survey. This business specializes in the restoration of historic buildings and has been operating since 1968. Based on recommendations from Mike Hart from American Masonry Restoration Corporation, structural repairs need to be completed on the roof prior to other repairs. Budget estimates to complete the slate roofing restoration is $362,352. Estimated cost for restoration of the historic Pillsbury Mansion totals $1.3 million. Copies of the survey are available upon request.
Future plans of the Capital Campaign Committee include seeking grants from foundations and corporations. Plans for annual member and community events will continue. As we raise money, we can proceed on the repairs. While repairs and maintenance will be ongoing for such a building, “The Campaign to Maintain Our Future” is projected to span five-years once exterior restoration begins.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
BLIND, Incorporated is a progressive training center for the blind that has received national and world-wide recognition. The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota is the largest and oldest consumer organization of the blind in the state. We strive to preserve the historic beauty and legacy of our building; however, we are not-for-profit organizations with limited financial resources. We need your tax-deductible contribution to help us restore and maintain this historic landmark. Click here to download a contribution form in Adobe PDF format. You can also make a donation online through our donations page. Additional information is available by calling Ms. Shawn Mayo, Capital Campaign chair, at 1-800-597-9558 or e-mail smayo@blindinc.org.
Thank you for your interest in helping us reach or $1.3 million goal to restore the Charles S. Pillsbury mansion.