Eden Prairie Schools received the 2025 Heritage Preservation Award at the City Council meeting on May 6 for restoring and reusing a school gym originally built in 1924 and for organizing community programs around the building’s centennial.

Rod Fisher of the Heritage Preservation Commission presented the award and described the gym as a long‑standing community landmark. “The celebration and continued maintenance of the gym demonstrates Eden Prairie Schools’ commitment to the preservation of a treasured landmark,” Fisher said.

Fisher and other presenters credited a collaborative effort by the Eden Prairie Historical Society, a Gym Task Force and school staff. The school district, represented at the meeting by Dr. Josh Swanson, Dirk Tedman and Grace Becker, organized events during the 2024 centennial that included a citywide prom, a historic artifacts gallery, guided tours and a family fun day. The district also added interior branding, a commemorative plaque and exterior signage to highlight the gym’s history and continuing use as an activity space.

Dr. Swanson said the recognition reflects partnership: “This is truly a partnership. You know our schools are reflective of our community and the great success that we have with students and families every single day is a reflection directly of that.”

Beth Novak Krebs, identified in the meeting as the city senior planner and liaison to the Heritage Preservation Commission, joined commissioners and Historical Society representatives in presenting the award. Mayor Mike Case praised the collaboration between the city, the district, the historical society and volunteers who led the restoration and centennial programming.

The award was presented as a recognition; no council policy action was associated with the presentation.