Construction underway for 'The Rock' housing project in Sandstone

Construction on a workforce housing project at the historic Sandstone School got underway on July 14.

According to a news release from Essentia Health — which contributed $179,400 to the project — the 32 units of housing are expected to be move-in ready by July of 2026.

The project carries a $17 million price tag and is redeveloping a building that has been vacant since 2004.

“People have been wanting something to happen at ‘The Rock’ ever since the school closed in 2004,” Sandstone city administrator Kathy George said in the release. “They have watched as this historic, iconic building, which once was the heart of the community, deteriorate – with very little hope of coming back to life. The current redevelopment plan is exciting and community members are so grateful to developer Meghan Elliott for her efforts to bring the ‘heart’ back to the community.”

The release states that a study conducted by Sandstone in 2023 highlighted a lack of market-rate units available for rent in the city.

George said the project will target tenants at 60 to 80% of the area median income.

The Sandstone History and Art Center will also relocate to the building’s auditorium in a future phase of project work.

In the release, Essentia Health-Moose Lake administrator Sam Barney said: “Essentia is thrilled to collaborate with the City of Sandstone on this essential workforce-housing project, addressing a critical community need."

A groundbreaking ceremony for the project will take place at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 9, as part of Sandstone's Quarry Days.