Community Fights to Save Historic Twin Cities Church

Old St. Hubert Church in Chanhassen faces demolition despite local efforts to preserve it.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Residents of Chanhassen, Minnesota are rallying to save the historic Old St. Hubert Church, the last original building in the city's downtown, from being demolished. The church has stood for decades, but its future is now uncertain as the congregation considers redeveloping the site.

Why it matters

The Old St. Hubert Church is a cherished landmark that represents the community's history and identity. Its potential demolition has sparked outrage among locals who want to preserve the building and repurpose it for community use, rather than see it replaced by new development.

The details

The Old St. Hubert Church has been a fixture in downtown Chanhassen for generations. While some churches have found ways to preserve their historic buildings, the congregation of Old St. Hubert is considering demolishing the structure to make way for redevelopment. This has prompted a grassroots effort by residents to save the church and explore options to repurpose it for community use.

  • The Old St. Hubert Church has stood in downtown Chanhassen for decades.
  • The congregation is currently considering whether to demolish the historic building.

The players

Old St. Hubert Church

A historic church building in downtown Chanhassen that is the last original structure remaining in the city's central district.

Chanhassen residents

Local community members who are rallying to save the Old St. Hubert Church from demolition and find ways to preserve the building for community use.

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What they’re saying

“We must do everything we can to save this piece of our history. This church is a symbol of our community and we can't let it be demolished.”

— Sarah Johnson, Chanhassen resident (startribune.com)

What’s next

The congregation of Old St. Hubert Church will make a decision in the coming months about the building's future, which could include demolition or exploring options to preserve and repurpose the historic structure.

The takeaway

The fight to save the Old St. Hubert Church highlights the ongoing tension between preserving a community's history and identity versus accommodating new development. This case underscores the importance of finding creative solutions that balance progress with honoring the past.