Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Ground Level Blog
Jennifer Vogel

Relics photo essay: the Hotel Kaddatz in Fergus Falls

The light distribution and architectural balance throughout the main Kirkbride tower remains impressive despite obvious signs of deterioration. (Ann Arbor Miller for MPR)

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

The century-old Hotel Kaddatz in downtown Fergus Falls was vacant and falling apart when local residents stepped forward to save it. With the help of city leaders, community members put in money and volunteer hours to replace a failing roof and make other improvements.

How communities grapple with empty, iconic buildings is a topic Ground Level has been covering as part of our Reviving Minnesota Relics project.

The physical upgrades and widespread support for the preservation effort paved the way for Minneapolis-based Artspace to come in and spend more than $2 million to renovate the Kaddatz and convert it into artist lofts. “We met in the Fergus theater and talked about the arts needs in (the city),” recalled Greg Handberg, senior vice president of properties for Artspace. “We left impressed with the city’s support for the project. They built a case that was hard to say no to.”

Now, the building is a hub of arts activity, home to 10 artists and the Kaddatz Galleries, which emphasizes local talent like woodcut printmaker Charles Beck. “It was a tipping point,” said Maxine Adams, executive director of the Fergus Falls-based Lake Region Arts Council. “It added additional visibility for the arts. It added a lot to the quality of life here… It helps to keep in people’s minds that there is energy here and there are things going on. The arts can carry that message just as well as manufacturing does.”

Success with the Kaddatz led to a rich discussion around what to do with the city’s enormous former psychiatric hospital, often called the Kirkbride. Several weeks ago, the city partnered with a Georgia-based development group, which promises to turn in into a boutique hotel, apartments and restaurants.

Location: 111 W. Lincoln Ave.