Graeser Park’s Preservation Celebration was just perfect. This event showcased the completion of MnDOT’s recent major preservation and restoration project. Andrea Weber, Manager of MnDOT’s Historic Roadside Properties Program, spoke of the park’s history and its importance in the community. This wonderful event featured a concert by the Robbinsdale City Band under the direction of…
Join us to celebrate the completed restoration of Graeser Park! Free, open to all with a concert by the Robbinsdale City Band. Now that MnDOT’s Historic Roadside Properties Program has completed almost three years and $500,000 of detailed work, the community is ready to celebrate. Where: Graeser Park, West Broadway & Lakeland Avenue North, Robbinsdale,…
A summer 2023 Lilac Way tour is the perfect escape, and it’s free! Stop in at restored Graeser Park, Rock Island and renewed Lilac Park—all located on an 8-mile stretch of Highway 100. Bring a lunch, family and friends, and see the heroic preservation efforts of dedicated volunteers and MnDOT. These three Insta-worthy historic Depression-era…
MnDOT has brought treasured Lilac Way park back to life. In 2021, Program Manager Andrea Weber at MnDOT’s Historic Roadside Properties Program thoughtfully planned a three-phase project to preserve and restore Lilac Way’s Graeser Park in Robbinsdale, MN. With a keen attention to detail and adherence to the National Park’s Service’s Historic Preservation Standards and…
May 1, 2022. Graeser Park’s preservation project, launched by MnDOT in fall of 2020, will continue when spring arrives. It was a drizzly 43° when I visited on May Day. The average temperature is 64°, so we are quite a bit behind schedule. Already completed is initial preservation of the historic beehive fireplace and reconstruction…
October 2, 2021. At 80 years old, Graeser Park in Robbinsdale is a scenic wayside rest with noteworthy historical significance. While it has suffered neglect over the years, much of the original park is still intact, including A large flagstone terrace Limestone curbing and walls An enchanting rock garden The iconic beehive fireplace MnDOT project…
May 8, 2021. The “Where to Live Now” May 2021 issue of Mpls.St.Paul Magazine featured the restored beehive fireplace in Lilac Park in St. Louis Park, MN. Their ‘Found Art’ article includes remnants of Twin Cities past that are hiding in plain site. According to writer Andy Sturdevant, “The beehive fireplace from Lilac Park, now…
KSTP-TV’s Joe Mazan profiled Lilac Park’s restored beehive fireplace for their ‘So Minnesota’ series. Their ‘So Minnesota’ stories showcase the people, places and things unique to Minnesota. In December 2020, they featured the history of Lilac Way and the restored beehive fireplace in Lilac Park in St. Louis Park, MN. Joe interviewed Karen Laukkonen of…
MnDOT’s Historic Roadside Property Program has committed resources to provide repairs and cleanup for this historic Lilac Way park in summer 2021. New MnDOT maintenance project will precede title transfer to City of Robbinsdale. After speaking with park supporters and seeing community enthusiasm, Historic Roadside Property Program (HRPP) Manager Andrea Weber dedicated funding to improve…
Sept. 7, 2020. A recent interview by Neil Pursley at CCX Media sheds new light on the long-awaited land title transfer for Graeser Park. Watch the video above or read the transcript below. You can also read the CCX article. Speaking with Robbinsdale City Manager Marcia Glick and MnDOT’s Historic Roadside Property Program Manager Andrea…