Title

Anoka State Hospital Remodel Cottage 2 Basement

Creation Date

December 16 2017

Description

Anoka State Hospital remodel project, Cottage 2, December 16, 2017. Nineteen views of the basement of this cottage at the open house held to celebrate the completed restoration, including the hallways, rooms still in progress, recreation room with pool table, and a room with exercise equipment. Some additional work was completed later, but the building was ready for occupancy by this date. This was the first of three cottages to be refurbished, to house single, male veterans. The restoration was completed in 57 days with all volunteer help and donations from local businesses and organizations. Several veterans needing shelter moved in right away.
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.