For more than 25 years, the Eagan Art House has been our community’s place to create and connect. In fact, thousands of artists have visited the 1960s rambler-style building every year since 1997. It’s no surprise to users or staff that we need a new art facility.
“Art has become a part of Eagan’s DNA,” says Andrew Pimental, Eagan’s director of Parks and Recreation. “And the Eagan Art House is at the heart of that. We’ve been patching this building up for more than 25 years and the sheer number of art enthusiasts who come through the doors inevitably creates a lot of wear and tear. It’s time for Eagan’s art community to have a safe, accessible new facility to match the high value our community places on art.”
Currently, the Eagan Art House hosts visual art classes, special events, and art exhibitions; plus, it performs community outreach. While art’s value is inherent, it has an economic impact in Eagan too — to the tune of $4.9 million annually. Eagan’s investment in facilities like the Eagan Art House benefits the entire community.
PROJECT TIMELINE AND DETAILS
“We look forward to a new building making it easier for people to create and connect,” says Tanya Mozingo, Eagan’s recreation manager. “The new building will allow us to welcome more users with a greater variety of programs, create more flexible activity spaces, and provide community gathering spots for the next 25 years.” On top of that, the new building will better connect visiting artists with nature, Mozingo says. The design will highlight the beauty of Patrick Eagan Park, and some land restoration to native oak savannah will be part of the work.
Additionally, users will experience better safety with enhanced air filtration. The City will also be able to prioritize sustainability in building and maintaining the facility.
The initial design study of the new Eagan Art House highlighted sustainability, accessibility, and spaces that can serve a diversity of interests and programs. Design and planning are underway, and the City expects a final design release this fall with a groundbreaking next spring.
“We don’t expect a break in classes and activities during the construction,” Mozingo says. “We’re planning to keep the current building open and operating until the new building is ready to use.”
For Eagan resident Anne Spicer, Eagan Art House pottery classes have brought her a sense of community and belonging. She says, “It’s a testament to the City of Eagan that
it’s supportive of a new facility that will bring more neighbors together, expand access to art participation, broaden our human experience, enhance enjoyment opportunities, and empower greater investment in our City.”
Learn more about this and other Parks and Recreation projects at cityofeagan.com/parkprojects.
