Title

Anoka State Hospital Remodel Auditorium

Creation Date

December 15 2017

Description

Anoka State Hospital remodel project, Auditorium, December 15, 2017. Seven views of the auditorium building early during the remodel, the day before the open house. Photographs were taken in the lobby, main auditorium, and balcony.
The initial stage of remodeling this building was done very quickly (approximately December 9-December 16, 2017), to make the building suitable for basic use and occupancy so that it could be part of the open house. This is the fourth and final building in use as part of the veterans' housing project, used for entertainment and fundraisers.
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. She assisted with cleaning up the balcony as a volunteer on this day.