Downtown Revitalization Committee (DRC)

Our mission statement is:

…to serve and promote new and existing business in the downtown commercial district
…to improve and maintain a beautiful place for economic development and revitalization through the facilitation of building standards
…to provide access to resources for such building owners
2023 METAL ART CONTEST
Calling all metal workers and welders! Do you make metal works from new or used materials,
"found metal", or mixed materials? The Sleepy Eye Downtown Revitalization committee invites you to showcase your metal art - and compete for $1000.00 in cash prizes. Prizes include $500.00 for first place, $300.00 for second place, and $200.00 for third place.

The Metal Art Contest is open to any metal artist, artisan or crafts person who works with metal. Artists will donate their contest piece to be placed and displayed around the community of Sleepy Eye. If the number of contest pieces are more numerous than available display locations, there may also be an auction or sale of the extra metal works with the proceeds going to the Sleepy Eye Regional Foundation (SERF). Have some fun and see what you can create!

Highlights from Successful DRC Projects

The City of Sleepy Eye has received two grants. One from Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF), Small Town Grant, and the other from the Blandin Foundation Rural Leadership Grant.
Some of the projects the Downtown Revitalization Committee are using the funds for are:
The Big Sleepy Eye Chair
The area behind Veteran's Park (which in the planters) is owned by the City of Sleepy Eye. The Downtown Revitalization Committee is working to make it a fun location for photo opportunities, relaxation & enjoyment.
Additions to this area will be a picnic table or two, and a mural on the brick wall adjacent to the lot.
Downtown Sleepy Eye Walking Tour Brochure
The members of the Downtown Revitalization Committee worked to compile histories of 17 buildings in the downtown area. With that information the committee had the historicsleepyeye.com website built and the brochure. The brochure has QR codes in it for each of the buildings so an individual with a smartphone can easily access the website with more picture and information on each building.
These brochures are available at various locations around Sleepy Eye. You can pick one up at City Hall and at the Chamber Office.
Metal Benches
The metal benches around Sleepy Eye are through grants that the Downtown Revitalization Committee received. This is part of the project to make the downtown corridor more visitor friendly.
Benches are at:
  • City Office facing Hwy 14
  • Under the tree east of the City Office
  • Pocket park at Hwy 4 and 14
  • The Library
  • Veterans Park
  • The Museum
  • Woldrick Park

BUILDING PROJECT PLANNING

Many of Sleepy Eye's downtown buildings are original and of significant historic relevance.  The Committee strongly encourages owners and potential owners to preserve and restore these buildings with this in mind.
Preservation
Preservation - For buildings that have experienced little change through time
Preservation is essentially retaining and properly maintaining the existing historic aspects of a building.  Buildings that retain and reflect their historic character serve as the backbone among new and altered structures. 
Restoration
Restoration - For buildings that have architectural significance, but have gone through some change
Sleepy Eye has buildings that are historically and/or architecturally significant, but have been altered.  Restoration is the process of returning the structure to its original appearance. 
Renovation
Renovation - For buildings that have been modified extensively
Many buildings benefit from some degree of renovation using modern materials and techniques that convey the character of missing original features.  But it is important to preserve the integrity of an aged building.  Renovation often involves the undoing of previous generations of maintenance, such as removing layers of old paint, peeling off applied wood siding, and uncovering original floors.   This process involves stripping away one or more layers of "modernization".
Recycle
Recycle - For buildings that have outlived their original use
New uses can be found for single purpose older buildings.  Railway stations, warehouses, hotels, and banks are all examples of single-use structures.  Here, the challenge is to recycle buildings, whose original use is obsolete, by finding new uses that add to the economic vitality of downtown.
Redesign
Redesign - For buildings that are sound but do not enhance the streetscape
Inevitably there will be a certain number of buildings which are basically sound, but do not enhance the historic character the city wishes to express.  However, it is important that the new facade appear appropriate and compatible in the context of the overall streetscape.
New Construction
New Construction - For filling gaps in the streetscape
An important element in an historic downtown is the quality of infill construction.  The desired effect of new construction in a district is to complement existing structures.  It is important that new construction not be allowed to dominate or overpower its more historic neighbors.  Its basic design elements (size, mass, material, color) should be compatible with surrounding structures.
Contact Information:
Building Inspector:                     
Bernie Wenner
Home Phone: 507-794-5505 (leave message)
or Cell: 507-920-5043
Financial Information:
Economic Development Authority            
Kurk Kramer
Office: 507-794-5636
email: eda@sleepyeye-mn.com
Fire Department:
Ron Zinniel, Fire Chief
123 Second Avenue SW               
507-920-7985
Police Department:
Matt Andres, Chief of Police
200 Main St East
Office: 507-794-3711
email: sepd@sleepyeye-mn.com
Public Utilities:
Mike Hardin
200 Main St East
Office: 507-794-4371
email: mharding@sleepyeye-mn.com
 Zoning:
Vicky Kral
200 Main St East
Office: 507-794-3731
email: vkral@sleepyeye-mn.com
Chamber of Commerce:
Christina Andres - 115 Second Ave NE
Office: 507-794-4731
email: director@sleepyeyechamber.com
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