Winona Chronicle

Your Window to the Bluffs Since 2026

Winona, Minnesota

Category: Local News

  • Saint Mary’s University Launches New Environmental Science Center

    Saint Mary’s University has officially opened its new $22 million Environmental Science and Sustainability Center, a state-of-the-art research and teaching facility perched on the bluffs overlooking the Winona campus.

    The 35,000-square-foot building features water quality testing laboratories, a GIS mapping center, greenhouse research space, and a living green roof that serves as both an insulation system and an outdoor classroom. Large windows throughout the building frame views of the Mississippi River valley below.

    “Our location in the Driftless Region gives students access to one of the most biodiverse landscapes in the Upper Midwest,” said center director Dr. Maria Santos. “This building allows us to study it at a level that wasn’t possible before.”

    The center will partner with local organizations on community science projects, including water quality monitoring on the Mississippi and bluff prairie restoration research. Public lecture series begin in September.

  • Historic Watkins Building Redevelopment Plan Unveiled

    A Minneapolis-based development group has unveiled plans to transform the historic J.R. Watkins Administration Building into a mixed-use complex featuring boutique hotel rooms, co-working space, a restaurant, and artisan retail — breathing new life into one of Winona’s most architecturally significant structures.

    The 1911 building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and known for its ornate terra cotta facade, has sat largely vacant for over a decade. The $18 million renovation would preserve the exterior while completely modernizing the interior.

    “Buildings like this don’t exist anywhere else,” said lead developer James Park. “The craftsmanship in this structure is extraordinary, and Winona deserves to see it brought back to its full glory.”

    The project requires approval from the Winona Heritage Preservation Commission and a zoning variance from the city. A public hearing is scheduled for April 15 at City Hall.

  • City Council Approves $30M Riverfront Revitalization Project

    The Winona City Council voted 5-2 Monday evening to greenlight a $30 million riverfront revitalization project that will transform the city’s Mississippi River waterfront into a year-round destination for residents and visitors.

    The plan calls for an expanded riverwalk stretching from Levee Park to Prairie Island, a new kayak and canoe launch facility, a bandshell for outdoor performances, and a restored wetland habitat along the river’s edge. Two seasonal food pavilions and a winter warming house are also included.

    “Our riverfront is Winona’s greatest asset, and this plan finally treats it that way,” said Mayor Sarah Lindgren. “This project connects our downtown to the river in a way that hasn’t been possible in decades.”

    Funding comes from a mix of state bonding dollars, federal recreation grants, and a dedicated tax increment financing district. Construction on the first phase begins in September, with full completion expected by 2028.