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Friends of Lynen Hill outlines visitor growth, rehab work and restroom proposal to Little Falls City Council
Summary
Julia Mueller, executive director of Friends of Lynen Hill, told the council the nonprofit welcomed an estimated 4,700 visitors in 2025, completed a barn rehabilitation aided by a Minnesota Historical Society grant and a $20,000 city donation, and proposed adding restrooms at the pavilion pending council approval.
Julia Mueller, executive director of Friends of Lynen Hill, gave the Little Falls City Council an annual update on Feb. 17, saying the nonprofit welcomed an estimated 4,700 visitors in 2025, volunteers contributed more than 7,700 hours, and the organization completed exterior rehabilitation projects on the estate.
The report said the Friends secured a large historic‑preservation grant from the Minnesota Historical Society and used private donations, budgeted city funds and a $20,000 city donation as matching funds to complete a capital improvement for the barn, carriage garage and greenhouse. Mueller said that single project totaled just under $300,000.
Mueller told the council she would like the group's next project to be a restroom addition at the north end of the pavilion. She said the pavilion's leanto section is non‑original and therefore is treated as non‑contributing to the property's National Register listing (period of significance 1898—1958), a point she said makes sensitive changes more feasible. "Pending approval, we hope to move forward with actual building plans and securing funds through grants and donations to make the improvement this year," Mueller said.
Mueller said concept drawings exist and that the Friends have identified a possible connection to city water and sewer off First Street and have consulted local architect Kevin Anderson. Council members asked how formal approval would proceed; in response council members said staff will incorporate the proposal into a memo and bring the item back to the council for formal consideration. No vote or formal approval occurred at the session.
Mueller also said the Friends have been asked about taking stewardship of the nearby Rosenmeer property. She said the group has limited resources but is open to feasibility discussions that could involve restoration work by Kathy Ashwald and a business sublease to Mia McCoy. "It's a win for Lynen Hill. This is a win for the Rosemary, and this is a win for the city of Little Falls," one council member said during remarks of support.
The council did not act on any of the proposals during the Feb. 17 session. Council members said they expect staff to return a memo with details and any required donation paperwork so the body may consider formal approval at a later meeting.
