Title

Anoka State Hospital Remodel Auditorium

Creation Date

December 16 2017

Description

Anoka State Hospital remodel project, Auditorium, December 16, 2017. Thirteen views of the auditorium building early during the remodel, during the open house celebration. Photographs were taken in the lobby and from the balcony looking down into the auditorium. Senator Jim Abeler and the Eagles Healing Nest director Melanie Butler spoke, donations from veterans organizations were given, and country singer Connie Lee Stitch gave a concert.
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.