Greater Minnesota - Owatonna
*This archived article was originally published in Spring 2004.
Gainey Conference Center
This hidden gem is a bed-and-breakfast made just for meetings.
BY ELIZABETH KEPHART
To get an idea of the Gainey Conference Center, first imagine a charming, rural bed-and-breakfast. Now combine that image with a modern, state-of-the-art conference center and you’ve got the Gainey Center.
Nestled away in the countryside of southeastern Minnesota near Owatonna, the Gainey Conference Center is truly a retreat. From the working horse stables to the rolling acreage surrounding this estate, it’s hard to believe this educational center is just an hour from the Twin Cities metro. What’s even harder to believe is that this little jewel of a property is solely dedicated to meetings and conferences and fully equipped to handle all types of meetings.
Built over a four-year period from 1953 to 1957, the French-Norman style structure was home to Daniel C. Gainey and his family for more than 20 years. Designed by St. Paul architect Edwin H. Lundie, the house features the most intricate of details: padded silk brocade walls, marble throughout (be sure to visit the first floor bathroom), gold fixtures, wood parquet floors, a Waterford crystal chandelier and a host of other unique features. The family lived in the estate until Gainey died in 1979. As one of the founding members of the Minnesota Private College Council and former chief executive officer of Jostens, Gainey had a lifelong commitment to education; bequeathing the property to the University of St. Thomas seemed like a natural move.
"Mr. Gainey was quite dedicated to the values of education throughout his life," said Marlene Levine, director of the Gainey Center. "He saw the opportunity within St. Thomas to continue his legacy of learning and education."
The Gainey Center has done just that. In 1981, a main conference room and guest room wing was added to the original home. As an executive conference center, the property contains 35 guest rooms. Solely devoted to meetings and conferences – the Gainey accepts no leisure travel or transient business – the center is best for smaller to mid-size meetings. "We’re different than the typical banquet or corporate setup," said Levine. "We’re best suited for groups that are interested in a more creative, intimate environment." Groups that have recently met at the Gainey include senior management groups, board meetings and law firm retreats.
One main reason smaller groups can have exclusive use of the center is the limited amount of guest rooms keeps the group numbers down. When compared with larger hotel spaces, the Gainey Center seems small. However, one stroll through the property and around the grounds gives a different impression. As a member of the International Association of Conference Centers, the Gainey Center meets rigorous property standards and has a full range of audiovisual equipment available, and is fully staffed to meet the needs of any group.
The Gainey Center has three main meeting spaces: the main conference area, boardroom and the dining room. A few smaller rooms, such as the fireside room, are useful for breakout groups or smaller gatherings.
Located in the main conference section of the Gainey Center, the main conference room is just off the front entrance and looks similar to any high-tech conference room: white dry erase boards, data ports for every type of technology, and chairs and tables for varied room setups. Measuring 31 feet by 42 feet, the room seats 42 people in a classroom setting. The main dining room, located near the conference room, seats 70 and features floor to ceiling windows, offering a spectacular view of the Gainey Center’s 182 acres. The center’s main meals are also served here. Prepared by the Gainey Center’s executive chef, menus are extensive and offer a wide variety of selections for all three meals. Specialty menus are also available for hors d’oeuvres and themed events, including Italian feasts, ‘50s malt shop and Hawaiian Luau.
Downstairs from the main area, all the guest rooms are situated together down two hallways. Appointed similarly to hotel rooms, each room has a sleeper sofa, television, full bathroom and plenty of space for relaxing or working. Each room is also equipped with telephones with data ports. Guests at the Gainey Center, however, won’t be spending too much time in their rooms as the main draw here is the dedicated space for social, informal and bonding time. From the multiple recreation activities to the various gathering rooms located throughout the complex, the center is built on the idea of communal space.
"Interpersonal relationships are strengthened here," said Levine. "There is personal time together. The team can’t disperse after dinner."
Over in the Gainey home, the executive boardroom and executive dining room are the main gathering areas. These two rooms are the antithesis of all that is typical in meeting spaces. Both rooms retain much of the ornate and intricate design of the original Gainey home. Giant chandeliers hang above the tables, detailed wall hangings and wall décor flank the room and etched glass windows accent the space. Both rooms give a feel of historic charm and serve as an inspirational space for brainstorming sessions or planning meetings. But don’t let the historic setting fool you – the rooms are fully equipped to handle technology, from Internet access to PowerPoint presentations. Just don’t bump the Waterford crystal chandelier when setting up the video screen.
Surrounding the Gainey Center, the city of Owatonna is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. A classic mid-sized city, Owatonna has plenty of small-town charm in its tree-lined streets, Victorian houses and strollable downtown that looks and feels like something out of a Normal Rockwell painting. However, the city is on the cusp of a growth spurt, spreading west and north, attracting visitors of all types, in part because of its main attraction: Cabela’s. Named as the top visitor destination in the state of Minnesota, Cabela’s is more than just a sporting goods superstore. It’s an experience all its own, from the expansive retail section to the meeting rooms along with the museum-like quality of the trophy animal mounts and fresh water aquarium. Much like the city of Owatonna and the Gainey Conference Center, it’s in a class by itself.
