When Cary Schilling moved to Edina over 11 years ago, he never dreamed it would become his duty to create a neighborhood landmark. “I just loved the gorgeous trees, unique architecture and easy strolling to great shops and restaurants,” he says.
It was on one of his morning walks that he took notice of a small island at the intersection of Bruce Place and Bruce Avenue that just didn’t seem to fit the rest of the Brucewood neighborhood. Amidst the well-tended gardens and lush green lawns, the bleak spot was a bit of an eyesore.
“I would see it and think, ‘Gosh, that could really be nice.’” At the time it held a deadend sign, dry patchy grass and a light post.
It wasn’t until Schilling moved into the Brucewood neighborhood, and began living right across from the island that he saw true cause to take action. He noticed that the space was primarily used by kids waiting for the bus, and by dogs doing…well…what it is that they do-do. “That’s when I went, ok, time for a change. That’s gross!”
Beginning with an inquiry to the city, Schilling set off to remodel the island. His goal was to create a Brucewood landmark for the neighborhood with a useable space that would draw neighbors together and look pleasant.
Jack Sullivan, who works for the City of Edina told Schilling that this was the first project the city had heard of where a resident was willing to do the work, not just filing a request for an improvement.
That Schilling took the project into his own hands was no surprise to his 15 year-old son Sam. “My dad is the kind of guy who is just really cool,” he sayd. “He sees something and follows through on it right away. The only thing that surprised me was how fast he did it.”
To start, the city had him go door-to-door with a petition to make certain that no one was opposed to the idea. Tracking down neighbors became the most time-consuming aspect of the project, but in doing so, delightful conversations, friendships and ideas surfaced.
“One neighbor realized that they could extend a water line out there from their home and take over the watering,” Schilling says. “Another suggested a bench. One guy handed me a check for $1,500 and said ‘Go for it!’”
Though Schilling spearheaded the project, he made sure the opinion of every interested stakeholder was heard. The entire project cost just under $6,000, the bulk of which was covered by the immediate neighbors with Schilling making up the difference. Expenses included design and labor from Lee’s Landscaping, tunneling to add the water line and landscaping supplies.
The finished project was unveiled at a huge neighborhood party complete with a live band, Dilly Bars and hot dogs. The neighborhood turned out in full support and with big cheers for Schilling.
“The guy has put Brucewood on the map. It has made such a difference to our street and neighborhood, ”says Brucewood resident Todd Peterson.
Where nothing once stood, there is now a bench, maple tree and seasonal flowers. The dead end sign has been removed and a refurbished light post serves as the island’s lighthouse. Kids now use the island as home base during games of tag and couples have been spotted sitting on the bench enjoying a glass of wine on balmy summer nights.
Schilling couldn’t be happier with the results. “It is really rewarding,” he says. “I still go on my morning walks and every day I look at it, it just feels good. I am really proud of it and proud to honor our great neighborhood.”
And proud of it, he should be. It’s not very often that someone can take a number two space, and turn it into the number one spot in the neighborhood.
