LRAP Projects

For decades, community members have expressed the need for a community center in Owatonna. In response, the City launched the Our Community, Our Center initiative in 2024. 

Visit OurCommunityOurCenter.org to learn more about this project.

New Police and Fire Facilities for Owatonna

Public safety is a core responsibility of city government. The City of Owatonna’s police and fire facilities have served our community well but no longer meet modern public safety standards nor the needs of our first responders and the essential services they provide.

The City spent the last two years conducting a detailed facilities assessment of its public safety buildings, touring public safety facilities in other cities and evaluating options for reinvesting in essential police and fire services.

Based on this assessment, the City is planning to build new police and fire facilities to meet the needs of our community and first responders.

Learn more about this project by visiting: owatonna.gov/psf

Renovations at the historic Merrill Hall on the West Hills campus were completed in October 2024. The City Council approved the $5.3 million renovation project in 2023 to allow it to continue serving the community’s needs. The project included replacing the deteriorating roof, adding a fire sprinkler system and upgrading the mechanical, electrical, lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

Original architectural elements were preserved in the renovation project including staircase millwork and a mural done in 1938 by Miriam Ibling as part of the Federal Artists Project which will be showcased in a reception area for Little Theatre of Owatonna (LTO) events. The building’s original terrazzo and hardwood floors were restored. Several rooms that had been separated into smaller spaces were restored to their original footprints. 

Merrill Hall was built in 1933 as part of the State Public School campus and served in that capacity until 1970. Wee Pals Child Care Center has leased space in this City-owned building since the 1980s and LTO has been a lessee there since the 1960s. The historical significance of the building and its uses are being commemorated with display panels through a collaboration between the Steele County Historical Society, West Hills Commission, State Historical Preservation Office and City staff.

Discussions among City Council and staff about the need to renovate the Chambers began in 2017. In 2022, the City Council approved renovations on the Council Chambers area to allow it to better serve the community’s current needs. This space was originally used as an auditorium for the State Public School. It was modified in the 1970s when the City took ownership of the building and began using this room for its public meetings. The project goals were to:

• Provide a convenient American Disability Act (ADA) compliant, accessible entry point and restrooms.
• Improve capabilities to broadcast public meetings live online and through the Public Access, Education & Government Channel.
• Update the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system throughout the building to provide a higher quality of air and increase energy efficiency.
• Enhance safety in the Chambers and the building’s security controls.
• Create a multi-purpose, flexible public meeting space for public meetings and events.

For several years, the City earmarked capital funds for the $2.1 million project including $900,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Construction, which utilized several Owatonna businesses, began in April 2022 and was completed in November 2023. The West Hills Commission was an integral part of planning the renovations and working with the State Historical Preservation Office. Original architectural elements were incorporated into the design to preserve aspects of the room’s past including a historical display.