We all need to get out of our boxes once in awhile and joining an MDT team could be just the ticket for you! Join for a visit to see what it’s all about. You might like helping a small community and you’ll meet and work with great professionals along the way.

Staples is a town of 3,100 located 25 miles west of Brainerd. Like many MDT visits, this visit will focus on building strong physical spaces, on wider, more sustainable resource use, and on opportunities to reinvigorate main street following the MN Hwy 10 relocation away from the downtown. Other challenges include addressing the loss of cross-generational connections, and helping to foster a sense of pride and willingness for community investment in the next generation of leaders.

Contacts:
Neil Reardon, Assoc. AIA – nreardon@jlgarchitects.com
Steve Roos, RLA – roosx008@umn.edu

Le Roy is a city of 925 people located 25 miles southeast of Austin on the MN/IA border. It has retained its small town atmosphere, and still has basic businesses, services, and institutions. In order to help the community sustain the desirable quality of life that presently exists, the MDT will explore strategies for for how Le Roy’s downtown can become a destination, how the city can tap into flourishing regional tourism and recreation amenities, and how its citizens can unify around a common vision for future development.

Contacts:
Jon Sevald, AICP - jon.sevald@co-sherburne.mn.us
Heather Leide, AIA – heather.leide@gmail.com

Palmer Township – September 21-23, 2006

Maple Plain Visit – October 26-29, 2006

Houston, MN – April 20-22, 2006

Redwood Falls, MN – April 6-9, 2006

For more information on the Minnesota Design Team, visit www.minnesotadesignteam.org or call Judith Van Dyne at 612/338-6763.