Two historic buildings in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Edward J. Devitt U.S. Courthouse currently houses the local law enforcement center, county jail, courtrooms, and judicial offices. The Fergus Falls mayor and Otter Tail County spokesperson did not comment on the building being considered a “non-core” asset. The Paul D. Wellstone Federal Building, originally a U.S. Post Office in 1913, now houses federal offices including a passport office, Department of State, Housing and Urban Development, and the National Labor Relations Board.
In 2022, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar led an effort to rename the building in honor of former Senator Paul Wellstone, who died in a plane crash in 2002. Klobuchar highlighted the building’s central location, providing critical services to Minnesotans. She emphasized the importance of having a local passport office, stating that before its opening, residents had to travel to Chicago for assistance. Klobuchar expressed concern that selling the building would negatively impact the state, calling it a disservice to the community.
The historic significance and community impact of these buildings in Fergus Falls add to their value as important landmarks in the region. The efforts to preserve and maintain these buildings are crucial to honoring their history and ensuring continued access to vital services for residents.
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