Central Square has received a significant pledge of $250,000 from a dedicated supporter, it was announced last week.  

The generous contribution will be paid over the next five years and comes with a crucial matching requirement: Central Square must raise $2 for every $1 pledged. This means the organization must secure $100,000 annually to meet the conditions of the gift, it was stated.

For years, Central Square has been a vital public asset, serving as a creative space and gathering point for the community. The center provides entertainment, arts education, meeting spaces, a gymnasium for physical activity, and affordable office space for local businesses and organizations, including Hope Community Church, Pottery Dudes pottery studio, a Tae Kwon Do studio, the American Legion, and the VFW. These diverse uses underscore the center’s broad appeal and the deep ties it has built within the community.

Recently, Central Square received $4 million in state bond funds. However, with the total restoration cost estimated at $12 million, significant work remains to ensure the nearly 100-year-old building is ready for another century of service. “Getting this far has been a long and difficult journey,” said Marie Chan, Executive Director of Central Square. “We are committed to making sure this unique space continues to meet the community’s diverse needs while demonstrating how historic buildings can be preserved and repurposed in all communities, not just ours. Constructing a building like this WPA structure today would be cost prohibitive. They just don’t make buildings like this anymore. It’s a fortress, but it needs care. More than just a building, it embodies the ‘Central Square’ dream that began in 1994. Building on that vision is our ultimate goal. This incredibly generous offer gives us the chance to take another big leap forward in our preservation efforts.”

Looking toward the future, the Board of Directors and staff remain focused on Central Square’s potential to grow and serve. Recent years have seen an increase in educational and cultural programming, attracting more visitors and participants from around the region. There has also been meaningful collaboration with the Minnewaska School District. The MAS dance team practices in the Central Square gym; elementary school students have taken part in a newly conceived children’s theatre program; and high school students volunteer at Central Square’s performance events. “I can’t say enough about how much we appreciate Superintendent Chip Rankin and his staff, and the students from MAS that we interact with. Chip is a great supporter of the arts. I am always happy when we have an opportunity to work with MAS in any way,” says Chan.

Arts and arts programming enrich communities in innumerable ways. Community gathering places create powerful impacts for residents of small towns, and cities alike. But it takes leadership, quality programming, financial support, and community participation to make them thrive. 

“Support from community leaders, business leaders, and individuals is essential for sustaining Central Square and completing the renovations needed to secure its future,” said Larry Zavadil, President of the Central Square Board. He emphasized that the building is built to endure and that investments made now will extend its vitality for another century. Zavadil also noted that matching offers, such as the recent $250,000 pledge, create opportunities for those who value community programming and unique spaces to contribute directly to preserving an irreplaceable community asset. “This pledge is more than financial—it represents a collective commitment to keeping Central Square alive and thriving,” he added.

Recently, Central Square demonstrated their commitment to supporting local businesses by offering farmers market vendors free space to continue operating beyond the summer season. “This is an important community-driven decision,” Chan explained. “We want to support ‘buy local’ initiatives and ensure that these vendors who fill an important role here in Pope County, have an opportunity to earn income throughout the year. It makes us happy to support our community whenever and wherever we can, just as they support us.”

To contribute to this meaningful cause and help Central Square meet its matching goal, community members can donate by calling Central Square, visiting their website, or mailing contributions to 105 2nd Ave NE, Glenwood, MN 56334.

Central Square’s future depends on vital fundraising efforts like this matching funds opportunity, and the community’s collective support will ensure that it remains a vibrant space for creativity, learning, and connection for generations to come.