February 2018 Midwest Nest

Edition 5

We're happy to bid adieu to January's record-breaking, low temps, yet I can't help but smile, laugh and maybe cringe when I think about what our team endured to make this month's issue happen. Kudos to all of our team members, contributors and photographers who braved the elements to give February some fantastic content. ​

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History Refined: Page 12

In the Kitchen: PAGE 24

Functional Art: PAGE 34

Smarter Homes Series: PAGE 42

The Grain Elevator Project: PAGE 54

Like Mother, Like Daughter: PAGE 64

A White Wine Winter: PAGE 72

This month took us on an array of below-zero adventures. The first had us traveling to the Grain Designs shop in Davenport. This is where we strapped on gas masks and the always game, Morgan Schleif learned how to take the perfect photo while standing on a saw table. After that, it seemed like a good idea to shoot a 10-below, happy hour moment with Dan Hurder and Laura Botten on the Boiler Room's (outdoor) patio in Fargo. At this point, we'd become one with the cold, so Dan Francis and I headed to the tiny town of Baker, M.N. to shoot the grain elevator home of Scott Dahms. Who knew that shooting exterior shots in 20-below could freeze one's contacts? 

On the search for a little warmth, we ventured out to the lakes area to meet up with photographer Travis Beauchene and designer Aubrey Costello to capture two mother/daughter bar remodels. With the warmth eluding us, we finally headed further South to Wahpeton, N.D.  to see inside the newly completed renovation of the old Wahpeton City Hall, now the home of a fantastic, new destination called City Brew Hall. 

With my hometown of Fairmount, N.D. nearby, I was naturally honored to cover the story of this epic transformation. I've toured a lot of revitalized homes and landmarks in the Fargo-Moorhead area, but it's not every day that I get to cover projects like these so close to home. Having grown up in the area, I could not have predicted what I walked into. The results of their two-year overhaul were not just well done by any typical, small community standard. Believing that every community, of every size, deserves extraordinary design, this team gave all and gave back. Covering this story, reminded me that it only takes a handful of people thinking outside of the box to create magic. With a well-executed renovation, the City Brew Hall now honors its past and celebrates the community in which it was designed for. 

With all of this excitement filling our pages, we're thrilled to take Midwest Nest to its first Red River Valley Home & Garden Show. Find us on the field level on February 23-25 at the Fargodome. Bring your ideas, grab a copy or just stop by and meet and team. Go to hbafm.com for more information.

With gratitude,

• Tracy Nicholson