April 25, 2025 Update

As the temperatures slowly increase, work towards the Chippewa City Church restoration project is underway. 

Last year, the Cook County Historical Society hired architecture firm MacDonald & Mack Architects, which completed a Historic Structure Analysis Report on the building. As part of the process, construction design drawings will be completed before CCHS puts out a call for restoration bids. These drawings will guide the preservation and restoration work as set by the Minnesota Historical Society and the Department of the Interior Standards for Treatment on Historic Properties. 

Specifically, the drawings will address rebuilding the chimneys, rehabilitating windows, other miscellaneous repairs, and critical foundation needs and repairs to the log walls. 

Beginning later this week, architects from MacDonald and Mack Architects will be on site looking at the log walls. As part of the process, they will need to remove a couple of pieces of siding to properly examine the walls most in need of repair. After examination, the siding will be reinstalled. 

Actual restoration work is not expected to begin in 2025, however, the completion of the drawings is an essential and significant step in the preservation process. 

Next month, the Cook County Historical Society will host a volunteer event on May 17 to help prep the grounds around the church. This work will include picking up trash that has blown off Highway 61 and onto the site.

At a later date, a tree planting event will be held at the site. A specific date and time will be forthcoming. 

We are still looking for volunteers who would be interested in helping out at one or both events. To learn more or sign up to receive additional information, visit: https://forms.gle/M1XZ9yfLJAL4JAZ98