Title

Anoka State Hospital Remodel Cottage 2 Exterior

Creation Date

October 7 2017

Description

Anoka State Hospital remodel project, Cottage 2, October 7, 2017. Three views of the exterior of the cottage just as the remodel project began, showing the side entrance (used as the main entrance during the remodel), and the front entrance with cracked steps. This was the first of three cottages to be refurbished, to house single, male veterans.
The remodel project was initiated by several Anoka citizens, particularly Senator James Abeler. The purpose was to turn the unused State Hospital buildings into housing for homeless veterans, a place where they could get back on their feet. Initially run by the Eagles Healing Nest organization, as of 2021 it is run by Haven for Heroes. Photographs were taken by the ACHS Archivist at the time, Audra Hilse, who also volunteered as part of the remodel project for this cottage.