Susan Lenfestey is a regular contributor. She lives in Lowry Hill.
Last spring it was announced that the historic Woman’s Club of Minneapolis — one of the few surviving organizations from the early 1900s, when more than 3,000 clubs formed as part of the women’s movement — had finally run its course. The building would be put on the market, its future uncertain.
Well, not so fast.
Thanks to a dedicated board and determined membership, the Club’s educational programs have resumed, along with the social and musical events held in the classic lounge overlooking Loring Park. For now.
The nonprofit tenants also remain. Diva International, which guides Black girls toward self-discovery and positive outcomes, and Involve MN, which uses the Club’s kitchens to produce more than 10,000 meals a week for people in need, still have a home. For now.
“ Thanks to a dedicated board and determined membership, the Club’s educational programs have resumed, along with the social and musical events held in the classic lounge overlooking Loring Park. For now…”
The Club today operates as a hybrid. The building is no longer open for weddings and private parties, but lectures and con- certs continue. The popular Thursdays @ 5 social gathering is back. The bar still serves drinks at those events, with food catered by Heather’s, the beloved South Minneapolis restaurant.
But nothing gold can stay.
Despite strong programming and a deep commitment to community, the Woman’s Club continues to struggle with the costs of maintaining a 100-year-old building.
A committee of Club leaders, developers and community partners is working with interested parties to find a path forward that honors the Club’s past, respects its present commitments and secures a viable future. As the Magic 8 Ball would say: Outlook good. For now.
