KARE enters into agreement for sale of historic Kasson School

KARE announces purchase agreement for sale of historic Kasson school

The Kasson Alliance for Restoration (KARE) has entered into a purchase agreement with Realty Growth Incorporated, Rochester, to develop the 1918 Kasson Public School into housing/apartments, KARE has announced.

Realty Growth and KARE partnered with AWH Architects, Minneapolis, to prepare a Historic Tax Credit application for the National Register of Historic Places-listed school project. The project will receive over $2.6 million in Historic Tax Credits which will offset redevelopment costs. The tax credit application, which is near completion, is one of many financing sources the development team will explore in 2025. The Rochester Area Community Foundation provided $50,000 in funding for the architect fees utilized to prepare floor plans and development details as input to the tax credit application. KARE has been working since 2007 to explore reuses for the school to provide much-needed housing for the region.

A Minnesota Historical Society Legacy Grant was recently awarded to KARE to repair the school’s architectural sculpted terra cotta decorations and bricks on the front of the school. In the spring of 2025, the Acme Tuckpointing & Restoration Company, St. Paul, will conduct the repairs. KARE has also received other grants related to the school.