The former Sanger’s Bakery building, back on the market and photographed last week.
FOR DAVID AND MICHELLE, the dream of opening a coffee shop in an historic 1892 building in Michelle’s hometown of Lamberton in southwestern Minnesota has become just that, a dream.
About three weeks ago the old bank and long-time Sanger’s Bakery property, purchased last year by the couple, went back on the market. It was a move necessitated by an inability to secure financing for restoration of the massive brick building.
The original plan called for using the original lunch counter in the coffee shop. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo from October 2012.
They had planned to open Seven Sisters Coffee as a local eatery, community gathering spot, entertainment center and artists’ haven this summer in this community of 820 residents along the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Highway in southern Redwood County.
The couple began work last year on this back room intended for entertainment and an artists’ haven.
The pair made numerous attempts, David says, to secure funding through several banks, all of which eventually classified the planned coffee shop as a restaurant and thus would not approve financing. Likewise, agencies such as the Redwood Area Development Corporation and local business coalitions could not provide the level of funding needed for the restoration, he says.
An Iraq War veteran, David is disappointed by what he perceives as a lack of support from the Veterans Administration and the Small Business Administration, through which he was working:
“We had completed exhaustive research on equipment, renovation, overhead, etc. All of the banks and organizations said our business plan and loan proposal were better researched and prepared than anything they had seen before.
The restoration and research was a joy. There is an enormous amount of history in that building. The end came as a dark and bitter disappointment. My wife and I are both hard-working, industrious people. Between her professional marketing acumen and my passion and skill sets; I thought we had a sure thing. The numbers were good…”
David and Michelle pose behind the original candy counter last fall. Michelle has sweet memories of coming here for candy as a child. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Having met the pair last October during a tour of the historic building, I, too, thought if anyone could succeed, this enthusiastic and ambitious couple could. They were, at the time of my visit, sorting through 80 years of accumulated possessions inside the old bakery and have since removed hazardous materials, repaired the roof of the 3,250 square foot two-story structure and more.
The yellow sign in the front window advertises the property for sale through Scenic City Realty.
A peek inside the old bakery last Saturday revealed half-painted walls and further restoration halted and that “for sale” sign posted on the front window.
“The coffee shop was a nice dream,” David says, “but it will have to wait for now. Despite the outcome, it was a good learning experience.”
To possess that positive attitude after months of hard work and time and money invested in the couple’s dream impresses me.
A side view of the massive historic building.
FYI: I spoke with Mike Kaufenberg, the broker/realtor who has the old bank/bakery listed at $37,000 with Redwood Falls based Scenic City Realty.
The building, he says, would provide a great place for a retail and online antiques business with room for additional retail and/or office space. Some antiques remain in the building and are part of the property offering. Two apartments are located on the second floor and could provide rental income.
To see the complete listing, click here.
I think this historic building has many possibilities for reuse, if you have the vision, drive, passion, time, energy and money. How would you reuse this building?
© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
[…] IV: Update: Without financing, couple’s dream of opening a rural Minnesota coffee shop ends (Minnesota Prairie […]
I, too, am impressed by the couple (and was, upon reading your first article). It does mystify me that some projects go forward with little trouble and others seem to find road blocks at every turn. The Van Engens will find “success” in whatever they attempt in the future because their ultimate goal is to serve/help people and, I have no doubt, that will be achieved. I wish them the best…..
I absolutely agree with you, Doreen. They are a determined couple with an incredible attitude.
And one that ‘screams’ “we will succeed” with our dreams!!
This couple is determined to go after what they want and will succeed – keep on dreaming and doing:) I would use this place as a meeting place for the community – coffee, sandwiches, local art on the wall, local artists come in and be able to share their talents, etc. – Great Building! Thanks so much for sharing – Happy Weekend:)
What you just described is pretty much the vision David and Michelle had for this building. With the only restaurant in Lamberton closed, this would have been a great addition to the community.
And, yes, I agree that they will succeed in anything they do.
Hopefully just that will happen for the commuity – have my fingers crossed:)
Because it’s such a rural area, that is part of the challenge. I think a place like this would do great during the summer months when many vacationers are in the area to visit Walnut Grove seven miles away.
That is unfortunate that this didn’t work out. You never know unless you try though.
Exactly. David and Michelle certainly tried.
Such a beautiful building, and an amazing dream, too bad for this young couple that it all fell through.
I wish David and Michelle could have secured financing. They could have brought so much to Lamberton.
Since I am a huge fan of coffee and repurposing old things I loved your blog on David and Michelle. Perhaps someone will read blog and come forward with help for them. Thanks for writing this informative blog.
You are welcome. Maybe someone will help the Van Engens, or someone else will be able to make their vision come true for this lovely building.
So sad for them, I seem lots of sign of “questionable economic times” still very real. Money for small business owners seems to be very difficult to secure. I wish them well, and maybe something will happen in the future….
Yes, Michelle and David worked hard on their plan and cleaning up the old bakery. To see that dream squelched…
I agree, the economy is still not where it should be.