CITIZENS FOR BACKUS AB, INC.
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Mission Statement
Citizens for Backus/AB, Inc. Mission Statement "Historic Backus Community Center, the heart of International Falls, where all generations celebrate the arts, culture, recreation, wellness and life-long learning."
About This Cause
Citizens for Backus/AB own two historic buildings in the heart of International Falls. The Alexander Baker School built in 1912 comprises 38,472 square feet with the potential for development as a residential and office complex. The 1937 Backus Junior High School encompasses 72,801 square feet and includes a 1,000 seat auditorium. Both buildings are three-story brick and were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. Since acquiring the buildings in 2002, over $1.6 million in capital improvements have been added including replacing over 28,000 square feet of roofing on both structures. The Backus building is currently operated as a vibrant community center with its Art Deco Auditorium serving as “the” center for performing arts in the community. Backus improvements include a commercial kitchen, remodeled dining room, four-stop elevator, 6,000+ square feet of new third floor office space, backstage curtains, a 16-camera security system and extension of fire safety equipment. Tenants include: Icebox Radio Theater, 4-H, dance studio, art society, yoga class, massage therapy, adult education, quilt guild, teen dance center, orchestra/bands, driver license testing, chemical dependency and mental health counselors. Since September 2002, the Citizens for Backus/AB Board has owned and operated the building complex comprised of the Alexander Baker building (1912) and the Backus building (1937) as a community center with a focus on the performing arts. The mission statement speaks to both the rich history of the building and their future as a focus for the arts: “Historic Backus/AB, a community center in the heart of International Falls, where past, present and future come together to celebrate the arts, culture, creation and lifelong learning.” The effectiveness of the community center’s operations and programs are discussed and evaluated at each monthly meeting of the Board of Directors. A standing committee helps plan and carry out each event at the center including concerts, plays, youth programming, dinners and special events.