St. Cloud Community Center to Begin Historic Renovation
The nonprofit facility will replace its 1917 stucco exterior with modern insulation and siding starting in November.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Home Renovation
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The Overcomers International Fellowship in St. Cloud has raised $130,000 to repair the aging exterior of its historic facility. The renovation, which addresses structural deterioration, ensures the center can continue providing housing for 46 men.
Why it matters
The repairs are critical to maintaining the safety and habitability of the 1917 building, which has served the community as the Dream Center for over three decades. Failure to replace the degraded stucco threatened the facility's ability to host its ongoing outreach services.
The funding includes $50,000 in federal grants and $15,000 from the Benton Telecommunications Foundation, supplemented by $65,000 from private contributors. Renovation of the 1917 structure at 529 16th Avenue North is scheduled to begin in November 2026.
The players
Overcomers International Fellowship
A local nonprofit organization that operates the Dream Center facility in St. Cloud.
St. Cloud City Council
The local governing body responsible for allocating federal grant funds to community improvement projects.
Benton Telecommunications Foundation
A regional charitable entity that supports community infrastructure and non-profit services.
Minnesota Home Improvements
A licensed contracting firm tasked with the renovation of the historic property.
The details
Contractors will perform a complete teardown of the original 1917 stucco, which has suffered from significant weathering over the last century. Minnesota Home Improvements will then install modern insulation and new siding to seal the building envelope and improve energy efficiency. These upgrades allow the facility to continue its mission of housing up to 46 men at a time.
Timeline
1917: The original stucco was applied to the building.
1995: The Dream Center began operations.
2025: St. Cloud City Council approved federal grant funding.
November 2026: Renovation work begins.
The Home Front
This project reflects a broader trend of leveraging Community Development Block Grant program funds to preserve aging non-profit housing infrastructure. Such restorations often serve as a benchmark for local historic building maintenance versus new construction costs.
Homeowners managing properties from the early 20th century should prioritize regular inspections of exterior masonry and stucco for cracking. Consult a licensed contractor if you identify signs of moisture infiltration or structural aging to prevent long-term damage.
The takeaway
Maintaining historic building envelopes is essential to preventing total structural failure in properties over 100 years old. Owners of similar-aged homes should schedule a siding evaluation with a licensed professional to ensure insulation and water-proofing remain intact.
Further reading
For more information on local repair standards and home project resources, visit Home Renovation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KNSI.
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