Who is doing this?

The Carnegie Project, a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is spearheading this effort. The Carnegie Project is founded by a group of Rockwell City community members, including Karen Anderson, Lynne Gentry, and Jill Heisterkamp-Roan, and other board members.

Who owns the building?

The Carnegie Project purchased the property from the City of Rockwell City in late 2019. The Carnegie Project plans to maintain ownership of the property and lease areas of the building to future businesses, with any/all profits going toward continued building maintenance and upkeep.

How much is the project going to cost?

Preliminary estimates from a variety of area contractors have the total cost in the ballpark of $300,000 to rehabilitate and preserve the building. The goal is to bring the project in below rough estimated numbers by combining competitive bids with volunteer labor and services and a variety of grants and donations.

What will be going in the building once it is finished?

There are many ideas and possibilities for the Carnegie once restoration is complete. One concept is a bookstore on the main level, also featuring locally-made artistic items and a small coffee shop serving baked goods and beverages. The lower level could offer opportunities as a cultural center, focused on traveling exhibits that share the history and artists of Rockwell City and Calhoun County with the public. A third space in the lower level with a separate entrance could be available for lease for business opportunities. Any/All of these spaces could also function for community programs and offer some meeting space for book clubs, card clubs, or other small meetings.

Donations are desperately needed to bring this historic building back to life!!

You can donate:

You can also help by spreading the word about The Carnegie Project and share our social media posts.

You are also welcome to volunteer to help work on the building, assist at fundraising events, or be involved with creating the building’s future plans and opportunities.

How can we help?