St. Cloud Heritage Commission Honors Century Home, Three Downtown Restorations

(KNSI) – The St. Cloud Heritage Preservation Commission has announced this year’s Century Homes and Heritage Preservation Award recipients, honoring one homeowner and three downtown restoration projects.

Mary Kay Korman’s home at 610 15th Street North has been accepted into the 2026 Century Homes Recognition Program. The bungalow-cottage-style residence was built in 1926 and served as a family home close to the hospital. Korman has lived there for 47 years.

To qualify, a home must sit on a residential parcel, be at least 100 years old, reflect its original architecture, and be kept in good repair while demonstrating how to care for older homes. Additions and improvements are allowed.

Three properties received 2026 Heritage Preservation Awards.

BCI Construction Inc. was recognized for the preservation, rehabilitation, and restoration of the former Red Owl Food Store at 706 West St. Germain Street. The brick building now holds office space and anchors a stretch of downtown that has seen significant reinvestment in recent years.

Chad O’Brien, Samantha Zaid, Jeff Gau, and Melinda Gau were honored for preserving and restoring the former Metzroth’s and Schumacher buildings at 611 and 623 West St. Germain Street. The buildings now house Metz & Co. and O’Brien’s Dry Goods, which the commission described as community assets and amenities for downtown St. Cloud.

Marla Waseka and Madison Waseka received an award for the restoration of the Mackrell Building and the former Dutch Maid Bakery at 413 and 417 East St. Germain Street. The two buildings have been adapted into Sage & Salvage and Kitchenette. The commission said the projects show a commitment to both the East Side and the broader St. Cloud community.

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