In September 2017, the Cultural Centre purchased the historic Baker House, an early 1900 Craftsman-style design brick house on Highway 212, on the Yellowstone Trail, in downtown Bird Island. The house is a unique adaptation of the side-gables Craftsman/Bungalow styles. It is an outstanding example of a significant architectural style, built by a man of modest means in a rural Minnesota town. Below are some images for your enjoyment and a .pdf of the National Register of Historic Places Evaluation. It is an incredible written assessment of The Baker House’s rich history. We will continue to keep you updated as we move through this process.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
February 2021 | State Historic Preservation Review Board approved nomination of Tinnes-Baker House to the National Register of Historic Places.
April 2021 | The Tinnes-Baker House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
September 2022 | The Cultural Centre was awarded a Tinnes-Baker House Predevelopment Grant from the Minnesota Historical Society to develop working drawings/architectural plans and specifications for its renovation. Our plan is to apply for a construction grant this summer to begin the renovation work.
The Images in this video were taken by Daniel J. Hoisington of Hoisington Preservation Consultants, March 2018 for The National Register of Historic Places Evaluation
National Register of Historic Places Evaluation
Take a glimpse back in time through the evaluation of the Tinnes-Baker House. An incredible report on the construction, architecture, and history of the house; along with information about the Baker family. This is the document that ultimately lead to being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Tinnes-Baker House Condition Assessment
If you thought the Evaluation on the Tinnes-Baker House was fabulous, this condition assessment is even more detailed in the history and structure of the home.
Tinnes-Baker House Construction Drawings
For those of you who like to geek out on all the nitty gritty of construction, here’s the PDF for the restoration project!
PAST EXPERIENCES AT THE CULTURAL CENTRE
Creative Minds - January 2025
Children
Creative Minds - February 2025
Children
Matthew and Levi Haubrich - March 2025
Danube
Dona Larkin - April 2025
Renville
Maggie Fuller - May 2025
Montevideo
Doug Peterson - June 2025
Milan
Richard Krogstad - July 2025
Ortonville
ACTS/WCI - August 2025
Olivia
Ana Serrano - September 2025
Willmar
Fred Cogelow - October 2025
Willmar
Katia Andreeva - November 2025
Minneapolis/Montevideo
Address
640 Dogwood Avenue P.O. Box 434
Bird Island, MN 55310
(320) 365-1011
birdislandculture@gmail.com
Gallery Hours
Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm
Open on Saturdays by request.
Follow
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board and The Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.