LONG BEFORE SHOPPING MALLS, downtown Faribault had everything…Fleckenstein’s Dry Goods, as an example, sold many household necessities like sewing machines, hats, cloth, and ready-to-wear clothing.
That information printed on an historic-themed bench in downtown Faribault references an iconic building that has stood since 1884 at 220 Central Avenue North. Today that impressive brick structure with signature green trim is on the market for $679,000. It’s among many aged buildings that have been renovated and restored through the years, defining downtown Faribault as architecturally and historically appealing.
Many times, I’ve photographed the long ago mercantile owned by Frederick Fleckenstein. In 2017, my image of a Faribault Main Street Car Cruise Night scene with the Fleckenstein building as a backdrop graced the cover of the local tourism magazine. My eye is continually drawn to this majestic structure.
I appreciate the business owners and developers who value Faribault’s historic commercial buildings enough to maintain, improve, renovate and restore them. Funds are currently available through the Faribault Main Street Economic Revitalization Program to assist business owners and developers in repairing, renovating, developing and redeveloping properties in downtown Faribault, according to information on the Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism website. Faribault Chamber Trust received a $750,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to fund the program.
This is great news for my community. While many buildings, like the Fleckenstein building, have been restored through the decades, many have not. One need only walk along Central Avenue and adjoining side streets to see failing facades, boarded up windows and other issues. And that’s just the exterior. I expect more problems inside. I recognize it takes money, lots of money, to keep up aging structures.
The Fleckenstein building, though, is ready-to-go with a beautiful interior of original tin, exposed brick and beamed ceiling, according to the listing agent at Edina Realty. A diversity of small businesses currently occupy the 12,155 square feet.
Businesses come and go in Faribault, as in any community. But the buildings that once housed mercantiles and other businesses of yesteryear along Central Avenue mostly remain, repurposed, meeting the needs of today while retaining the architectural charm of the past.
© Copyright 2023 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
these buildings are precious treasures, irreplaceable and a part of the heart of a city. they are standing history and deserve to be maintained and cared for, though as you said they are not always lucky enough to have financial support. glad for the mercantile, what a beauty, and I hope someone buys it who values this as much as the town does.
I feel very fortunate to live in a community that values historic buildings. That said, a number of historic buildings were demolished this year because they had not been kept up. It was heartbreaking, especially to see the Farmer Seed and Nursery building demolished. It was a community landmark that a developer hoped to repurpose, but then found too much interior damage to save it. So sad.
What a great building that is. I love when the integrity of the older buildings is preserved.
There are a lot of lovely old buildings in our downtown. I’m thankful most have been kept up and not torn down.
Old places like this hold a special place in my heart. I hate seeing them destroyed. I always think “they just need someone to come along and love them”. And money. 🙂 ❤
And money is the key. I’m thankful when grants are available to help pay upkeep costs.
The architecture of some older buildings is beautiful…I love to see them restored, but you are right…it costs a lot of money to do so.
I hope someone buys this building and brings in a successful business. Is it where Keepers is now?
The Fleckenstein building is right next to Keepers.