Roseau City Center
Planning to rebuild the heart of the city
On June 9-11, 2002, it rained in Roseau. An extraordinary amount of water fell over the Roseau river basin, drained into the river and overflowed the city’s levee system. As the river runs through the center of the city, flood damage was substantial. More than 50 homes, most owned by low-income families, had to be demolished. The Roseau County Museum, Interpretive Center, City Hall, and Library were also damaged beyond repair.
The community came together to work with the state of Minnesota, FEMA, Northwest Minnesota Foundation and the University of Minnesota to develop a master plan for reconstruction – the Roseau Community Vision for the Future. A community design charrette and short- and long-term recommendations from engineering firms for a flood hazard mitigation plan were part of the design study.
The concepts born from this planning process laid the foundation for the development of a new civic campus in downtown Roseau. In May 2003, the Minnesota Legislature provided $500,000 in planning funding for the new city facilities.
At this point, the city council-appointed City Facilities Committee and DSGW Architects begin the process of developing a plan and budget for the new facility, which was presented for inclusion in the 2004 State Bonding Bill. While the project would go unfunded until 2005, there was work to do in the meantime.
Several potential site options were presented to the community, some in outlying areas. Because of all the amenities the new city center would offer, it was determined it should be located in the heart of downtown to maintain the small-town feel.
While the city lost its former facilities to the river, an intentional embracing of it was designed into the new complex through the curved, bridge-evoking roof and large windows facing the river. The site is located between two main gateways into town—Center Street and Highway 11—to offer visibility as visitors enter Roseau.
By being housed together, they could be a stronger presence in the community. The city saved money and resources both short-term and long-term by sharing space. The new city center complex houses the police station, city hall, library, museum and interpretive center, Northland College and the community center. The building space is designed to be flexible and allow for use by the community, visitors and private business.
