The Grand’s back patio dedicated to Bank Midwest
Patio restoration made possible through donations
Bank Midwest's $10,000 gift for The Grand's new deck. From left, Nichole LaGrow, John Kellen (center) and Shannon Hillesheim.
The Grand’s newly restored patio deck. Photos by Clay Schuldt
Bank Midwest's $10,000 gift for The Grand's new deck. From left, Nichole LaGrow, John Kellen (center) and Shannon Hillesheim.
The Grand’s newly restored patio deck. Photos by Clay Schuldt
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NEW ULM -- The Grand Center for Arts and Culture’s patio deck is dedicated to Bank Midwest for their generous contribution of $10,000.
A sign on the brick wall designates the donors that made the renovation of the patio possible, as the “Bank Midwest PATIO.”
The reconstruction spruced up the area and made it comfortable and safe for the community, with new TimberTech composite decking, lighting, and signage.
The undergirding of the deck was also replaced.
Anne Makepeace, founder of the Grand Center for Arts and Culture, said Design Home did all of the work.
Makepeace said the reconstruction was needed because the wooden deck had been installed in 2013 and had to have numerous boards replaced on multiple occasions. The wood had rotted and it had required multiple rehabs just to be safe.
Makepeace said, “We decided to use Timbertech composite materials for the decking since the deck will be mostly maintenance-free and last well over 25 years, we hope.”
Execitive Director of the Grand Center for Arts & Culture, John Kellen, said, “We’re happy for the generous gift of Bank Midwest which contributed to our back patio reconstruction.”
The summer of 2026 was the first season live music returned to the new deck.
Makepeace said the total cost of the deck and installation was more than the grant amount, but the grant did cover the bulk of the costs.
Makepeace said, “It was extremely helpful to get this grant.”
The $10,000 Bank Midwest check helped pay Design Home Center for the work.
Nichole LaGrow is board vice-chair. Shannon Hillesheim is regional president, ag and commercial leader at Bank Midwest.
LaGrow, Kellen and Hillesheim were on hand to celebrate with Kellen the acceptance of that generous gift.
Kellen told Bank Miidwest, “Thanks for all you do for our community. I’m grateful to be part of it.”
The patio is located behind The Grand at 210 N Minnesota Street and is used seasonally for live music, pre-show gatherings and community events during the warmer months.
“The Bank Midwest Patio is closed now and will reopen in spring,” Makepeace said. “We’ll have music on the deck all next summer.”