Mike Haeg Proposes Arts/Community Center for Shakopee Fire Station

Shakopee artist and arts activist Mike Haeg has the ear of Mayor Brad Tabke in arguing that a part of downtown Shakopee that looks shabby to the average passerby represents an opportunity for a town in search of fresh ideas, according to a feature today in the Star Tribune.

The news that the city was considering different uses, including a community center, for the soon-to-be vacant fire station downtown got him thinking.

In Haeg's proposal he said the station is the perfect location for an arts-centered multi-purpose community center that could bring some life, culture and commerce to what he called "the failing western downtown train area."

Among his reasons why include filling the void of a downtown gathering point such as a coffee shop, that as the county seat, Shakopee should be a showcase for Scott County arts and culture, and to add a reason for tourists to visit downtown.

His proposal includes funding options, a plan for the existing space and a map of western downtown Shakopee that shows several art-related businesses, from to the to the . The map also shows vacant real estate areas of opportunity.