High Winds Fund
The High Winds Fund
Our mission is to maintain and improve the beauty, serenity, and security of the area surrounding the campus of Macalester College.
The High Winds Fund was established in 1956 through an initial gift to Macalester College from DeWitt Wallace in order to sustain property values during a time of suburban sprawl. Mr. Wallace had seen this cause challenges at other urban colleges and university neighborhoods around the country.
Macalester College is a unique institution – a nationally respected liberal arts college in the heart of a thriving urban environment. The High Winds Fund helps to support and improve that critical environment for the benefit of Macalester’s students, faculty, staff, and neighbors.
Invitation to Our Community to Join Events at Macalester
Please see the Macalester Events Page for more information about what is happening on campus. We frequently invite our neighbors to join us. The best way to find events that are open to the public is to use the menu bar and select Event Search, Audience and filter by Public. You will find special lectures, athletics and a range of musical events. Some events may require registration or tickets and several are offered remotely by webinar.
New Residence Hall and Welcome Center Project Updates
Macalester College is planning for a new residence hall and welcome center at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Macalester Street in Saint Paul. The project is one aspect of the college’s comprehensive campus plan, which is a flexible framework designed to guide priorities for development and investment in campus spaces. The new building is expected to be completed in 2027. Some notable features of the project include: additional on-campus housing with no plans for increasing enrollment, memorable and distinctive architecture that reflects and enhances its Grand Avenue location, geothermal technology, rooftop solar & stormwater retention that will help Macalester move closer to carbon neutrality, and a small retail space for a coffee shop. For more information about this project, visit the Comprehensive Campus Plan website.
Neighborhood Ambassador Program and Summer Block Parties
The High Winds Fund, together with Macalester Groveland Community Council, Union Park District Council and the University of St. Thomas support the Block Ambassador Program. First created about five years ago, this program established a handbook for the people on your block who coordinate the alley plowing, welcome the new neighbors, plan the block parties and generally keep you informed of what is happening around you. These are your Block Ambassadors. The handbook is a great resource that is full of ideas and how to be a great neighborhood! By signing up as a Block Ambassador, it enables better communication between the Community, the City and the neighbors on your block!