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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.
The two seasons collide in the Black Hills.
Wildflowers are adding a splash of color to the granite and pines of the rugged Black Hills.
Frosty morning near Westport. Photo by Emily Drayer
South Dakota provides the perfect backdrop for toy photography.
The annual Dakota Marker game brought thousands to Brookings.
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