Historic site. A large proscenium-arch stage is the heart of the building. Masonic theatrical rites included 98 hand-painted scenic drops.

Tally for heating, cooling system now $3 million

WINONA, Minn. –  The Winona City Council voted 5-1 to spend $1 million more than had been projected for further improvements at the historic Masonic Temple, which in recent years has been home to the city’s Senior Friendship Center. Earlier the Council budgeted $2 million for a new boiler and cooling system, but the lowest bid came in at $3.1 million. Restoring the Masonic Temple has been a pet project of City Manager Chad Ubl, who said he doubted that seeking new HVAC bids would find a lower offer. The $3.1 million bid was from Winona Heating & Ventilation. Renovations project have been costly ever since the city acquired the historic building in 1979.  Renovations had cost $3 million even before it was realized that a new heating, ventilation and cooling system was needed.

How they voted

To spend

George Borzyskowski (4th Ward, East End).

Jerome Christenson (at-large).

Jeff Hyma (2nd Ward, West Side).

Aaron Repinski (at-large).

Scott Sherman (mayor).

Against

Steve Young (1st Ward, West End).

Absent

Pam Eyden (3rd Ward, downtown).

On Historic Register

The Masonic Temple, built in 1909, has been a ward of city since the Masons relocated to Rochester in 1979. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places un in 1998 for its significance in art and social history. The Neoclassical building, in red brick and stone in the Beaux-Arts tradition, was designed by Philadelphia architects Warren Laird and C.F. Osborne. Mahogany finishes and furnishing reflect Masonic ideology. Landmark features include a ballroom and theater. In 1997 the Theatre du Mississippi began performances in the building.