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EDA approves up to $24,999 façade grant for Madison owners to restore 1851 Ferber House
Summary
The Cottage Grove EDA awarded Madison Minnesota LLC a matching façade grant (up to $24,999) to restore the historic Ferber House exterior; owners Brad and Louise Madison presented plans and a phased schedule for exterior work and authentic window and siding restoration.
Cottage Grove — The Cottage Grove Economic Development Authority voted Jan. 13 to award matching façade-improvement funds of up to $24,999 to Madison Minnesota LLC to restore the exterior of the historic Ferber House, an 1851 structure operating as an event venue.
Economic Development Manager Nate Carlson recommended approval of the Madison application to the city’s Façade Improvement Grant Program, a grant program that began in 2019 and provides a 50% match for eligible commercial property owners. Carlson noted the program has priority zones but does not preclude applications outside those zones; the Madison property is not in a priority zone but has historic approvals in place.
Owners Brad and Louise Madison described the restoration plan and community use of the venue. Brad Madison noted the house’s age and historic status: "This house, built in 1851, is on the National Historic Registry and now a forgotten historical diamond in the rough," and outlined plans to repair and authentically restore original windows, siding and decorative features.
The applicants said the total project cost is "just over... almost $135,000" and that they are seeking the program maximum of $24,999. They reported window restoration was scheduled to begin Jan. 14 with completion around March and siding restoration planned in the month before the venue’s wedding season. The owners said they will avoid vinyl window replacements and use repair and replication techniques to retain architectural authenticity.
During member questions, board members praised the owners for community service and asked about plans to recreate historic porch elements. The applicants said porch reconstruction is planned as a later phase and would require confirmation from the Historic Preservation Commission (ACHP) and other approvals. The owners also described additional property improvements under consideration, including restoring a historic pole barn and relocating a 1970s-era garage, subject to zoning and licensing constraints.
EDA member Kambata moved to award the grant; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The board also approved a secondary motion directing staff to review the program’s priority-zone map and overall criteria and to return with potential recommended updates.
