WARROAD RIVERPLACE

The newly opened Warroad RiverPlace Arts, Culture, and Events Center in Warroad, Minnesota, offers a vibrant space for creativity, education, and community connection. Officially opened in October 2024, the 20,000-square-foot facility is nestled along the Warroad River and serves as a cultural anchor for the community. Its mission is to enhance access to the arts, foster cultural expression, and create a welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Designed with flexibility and inclusiveness in mind, the center boasts a range of features, including a 320-seat performance hall equipped with retractable seating for larger events, a commercial kitchen to support banquets and concessions, an art studio, and patio space for outdoor programming.

The commercial kitchen serves as the heart of the facility’s operations, offering the capacity to produce meals for up to 320 guests while also providing space for community education cooking classes. The kitchen’s design prioritizes multi-functionality, with distinct zones for food preparation, ware washing, and concessions, ensuring a streamlined workflow for various events. By integrating energy-efficient features such as low-volume exhaust hoods, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and Energy Star-rated equipment, the project aligns with sustainable design principles. Additionally, a dish machine equipped with heat recovery further enhances energy conservation efforts.

The project reflects a collaborative effort between Rippe Associates, HGA, Mortenson, and other key partners, with significant contributions from Marvin Windows as a major donor. The innovative design addressed challenges such as budget constraints and space optimization, allowing for additional storage features while remaining under budget.

Warroad RiverPlace uniquely integrates the arts into everyday life, blending accessibility with creativity. Its strategic location not only connects downtown Warroad to the riverfront but also offers seasonal accessibility by snowmobile, kayak, and even seaplane. Community response has been overwhelmingly positive, with the center successfully achieving its goals of promoting the arts, creating educational opportunities, and attracting visitors to this dynamic northern Minnesota town.