INNOVATION 2019 | PAGE 25
New Lincoln School “On Target” For Innovation
Every once in a while, an organization’s needs align perfectly with opportunity. The Fergus Falls Public School District believes just such an opportunity came along with the availability of the former Target building for purchase. The loss of the Target store was a painful experience for Fergus Falls and the surrounding area. Many area residents are quite fond of the store chain and, to some degree, Target is synonymous with Minnesota shopping. The empty building served as a constant reminder of what was lost. That’s all about to change. While there are a few remaining steps to take, the district expects to formally take possession of the building within the next two months. Once the last documents have been completed on the purchase, work will begin in earnest to create a state of the art learning environment specifically catered to the district’s youngest children. The former Target building will be named Lincoln School and it will house Otter Preschool and Children’s Corner. Both organizations share one thing in common — they are committed to supporting the positive growth and development of the community’s blossoming learners. Lincoln School is a large building — approximately 90,000 square feet. The interior is essentially a blank canvas which provides the district freedom to de-
sign a learning environment that meets the unique learning needs of young children. “It really offers a tremendous opportunity to create something special — a facility and programs that will bring a great deal of pride to the community,” Fergus Falls School District Superintendent Jeff Drake said. “We believe young families who are considering school options for their children will be very impressed with the facility.” Mark Masten, Fergus Falls business manager, added, “Target Corporation did a great job of caring for their building. The school district will be acquiring a building with few issues to repair and can focus it’s dollars toward making the building a pleasing learning environment for young children”. The district is currently working with an architect on preliminary design elements. A spacious main enMATHEW HOLDING EAGLE | INNOVATION trance will be family friendly FILLING THE VOID: The former Fergus Falls Target building left a gaping hole in retail and large vacant building in the city. The Fergus Falls while also affording a seSchool District looked at the space as an opportunity to repurpose the space for its preschool and Children’ s Corner, dubbing the building cure checkin. Offices will be Lincoln School (above). A schematic of where the building and the school district’ s opportunity to expand later, if necessary (below). housed near the front of the building. Lincoln School will feature a cafeteria as well already being received by tion through the creation as a gym. Students and staff the school district from local of nature trails and learning will travel wide hallways be- property taxes,” Masten said. stations. Changes will also take It is anticipated that Lintween classrooms and the interior will be bright with place outside the building. coln School will be ready A portion of the existing for occupancy by the start natural light. Current plans call for the parking lot will be convert- of school next fall. Drake development of about a third ed to a playground with concluded, “The site offers of the building’s space al- equipment designed for a great deal of flexibility to lowing the district flexibility small children. The remain- create a truly one of a kind for expansion of classrooms der of the parking area will learning environment. We should enrollment continue be resurfaced. In addition, are very excited about how to increase. the district purchased an Lincoln School will en“The acquisition of the adjoining 8 acres that will hance the great educational building along with this serve as green space which experience already offered initial development will be can be used recreationally in the Fergus Falls Public completed by using dollars or to complement instruc- School District.”
