Wells Depot Museum

A 2010 Minnesota Preservation Award recipient - Adaptive Reuse.

Paulsen Architects designed the complete restoration and renovation of the historic Wells Depot, which is designated on the Register of National Historic Places. The building was damaged over the years from the prolonged exposure by weather without restorations like tuck pointing. Major damage from traffic down the nearby alley has knocked out the bricks from a corner of the building and the soffit was damaged by a passing truck that was too tall to clear the large overhang.

The project featured a complete restoration of the roof, back to the original design of cedar shakes and cedar rain gutters. The paint on the exterior brick was removed to expose the original brick color. An ADA ramp and restrooms now makes the building universally accessible. New storm windows preserve the existing repaired windows. New HVAC and plumbing systems brought the building up to modern standards while keeping its historic aesthetics.

The building was restored to preserve the building as a city landmark as well as house the city’s historical society collections.

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