Lake City Button Factory

Lake City Button Factory

Two couples are putting their money, sweat and passion into bringing one of Lake City's oldest buildings back to life.

They might even make some money on the restoration, which could cost up to $500,000 when all the repairs, upgrades and refurbishing are done, said Dave Close, one of the four people involved in Lake Pepin Pearl Button Co.

No matter the financial profit, "We are making history," said his wife, Juleen Close, because they are restoring and reusing a building that was closed up for at least 60 years. Many people have stopped to thank them for doing something with the building, she said.

"This building has been a mystery," she said.

"Deep down, I think we want to do the community a favor," her husband added. "I think there are some things worth preserving."

They hope to make the old button factory building into a mutli-use store, mainly for antiques, that will be an anchor for other businesses on the south side of the business district. The other couple is Rene Lawson and Lora Schwartz; all four are from Lake City.

More about Lake City Button Factory

Read about and view natural Lake Pepin pearls from Lake City, Minnesota