Gary Blind School Renovations

Jun 10, 2009

Gary's citizens are excited about this turn of events. The Blind School sat empty for nearly half a century before renovation work started. See the town's new web site for a taste of their enthusiasm. Visit www.experiencegarysd.com.

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Our photographer drove through Gary, S.D., a few mornings ago and shot these pictures of the old South Dakota Blind School campus, which is being rehabbed as the Buffalo Ridge Resort and Business Center — a convention and retreat site.
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The project is being led by Joe Kolbach, an interesting fellow who was raised at Howard and left South Dakota to become a wind energy entrepreneur. He returned, started businesses in Gary and Howard, and is now the founder of Buffalo Ridge.
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The Blind School opened in 1900 and served South Dakota for about 60 years. The solid, attractive buildings are from 80 to 110 years old.
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Along with the historic accommodations, Buffalo Ridge will feature a racquetball court and fitness center. Also, a small lake known as Lake Elsie has been dredged and will be restored.
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Gary is a tidy little town of about 200 citizens. It lies east of Brookings on the Minnesota border, near the Buffalo Ridge wind energy project.
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At the outset the retreat center will offer meeting space, 19 rooms and campsites. More lodging is available at nearby lodges.
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A grand opening for Buffalo Ridge is set for July 3. Retreats are already scheduled in July, although work will continue on the campus.