IMPORTANT: Before completing the above rental interest form, please review our event calendar for availability and the following rental conditions and amenities. The City of Northfield has asked us to manage rental of the City-owned Pavilion as well, and the rates below align with the City’s park shelter reservation rates.
If you would like to tour the depot before renting it for your event, please email us at info@northfielddepot.org.
Conditions
- Depot indoor occupancy limit: 50 people.
- The Depot can be rented for events between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- Access to Depot basement will be closed unless arrangements are made in advance.
- Permission to add materials to the Depot’s walls/woodwork must be obtained in advance (but is NOT allowed on the light colored walls). If granted, 3M damage free hanging strips must be used. Renters are responsible for any damages from such additions. Current images on wall may not be removed.
Not Allowed:
- Animals inside the Depot (unless a designated service animal)
- Smoking inside the Depot
- Removal of any images on the Depot walls
- Attaching anything to the Depot’s light colored walls using any product
- Open flames of any kind (such as candles, BBQ grills, etc.) anywhere, including inside and outside the Depot and on the Pavilion. (Flameless candles are available as an amenity.)
- PAVILION ONLY: Glass containers are not permitted (i.e., drinking glasses, jars, bottles, etc.)
Building Access
- Depot personnel will open and close the building for single time uses.
- Arrangements will be made for opening of multiple days of rental.
Renter Responsibilities
- If renting the Depot, remain on site while building is unlocked.
- Escort any unruly attendees off of the property.
- End the event early enough so that there is no activity by 10 p.m.
- Renters are expected to clean up and store tables and chairs (if used). Cleaning supplies and equipment can be found and stored in closet and office area. Any refuse in the two receptacles in the office area will be processed by Save the Northfield Depot personnel. Additional refuse is to be removed by renters.
Spaces
Interior Spaces
The Northfield Depot provides a flexible, inviting venue with a main room (18′ by 39′) and an accessible restroom as well as an office area (9’ by 18′) for storage of event items and depot amenities. Renters can adjust the heating and cooling inside the Depot.
The historical desk is often used for buffets (see below), meeting agendas, programs, and sales of music CDs.
Historical displays are available on the the main floor with additional exhibits in the basement, which can be opened on request.
Exterior Spaces
The exterior area includes historical railroad artifacts, a sculpture garden with water feature, and paved areas (for use of the outdoor chairs). A photo of the City’s pavilion to the north will added soon.
Onsite & Nearby Parking
- Lot 1: Northwest corner (6 parking spaces, including 2 handicapped parking spaces)
- Lot 2: Southeast corner across from sculpture garden (9 parking spaces)
- Lot 3: Unpaved city land east of the Depot (do not park on paved areas)
- Lot 4: Unpaved city land south of the Depot on the south side of 3rd Street
- Lot 5: East of the Depot across Highway 3/Dahomey Avenue (31 parking spaces, including 2 handicapped parking spaces)
Amenities
Available
- Air conditioning
- ADA compliant bathroom
- Large desk near doorway (used as buffet, agendas for meetings, programs, sales of musical disks, etc.)
- 7 tables (30” x 72”)
- 50 folding chairs (for use indoors)
- 25 stacking metal chairs (for outdoor use)
- Portable 60” TV monitor
- Microphone and speaker **NEW**
- Small stand with podium
- Wi-fi is available via hot spot if notified in advance
- Portable coat rack and hangers
- 60-cup coffee maker and 72 oz. thermal Airpot
- Small refrigerator
- Flameless candles (pillar-style and tea-style, off-white)
Unavailable
- Landline
- Kitchenette
Catering Options
Although the Depot does NOT provide in-house catering, a number of restaurants in Northfield offer catering services. You also could explore hiring a professional caterer or having a food truck or stand at your event. (NOTE: Any business providing catering MUST comply with the above rental conditions and responsibilities such as those prohibiting open flames inside the Depot.)
The following does not represent an endorsement of any business and is provided solely for informational purposes to help you plan your event.
Restaurants
- Applebees Bar & Grill
- Bread People
- Carbone’s Pizza & Sports Bar
- Gran Plaza Mexican Grill
- Han’s Kitchen
- James Gang Coffeehouse & Eatery
- Just Foods Co-op
- Quarterback Club
- The Hideaway Coffeehouse and Winebar
- Tin Tea
Additionally, some local restaurants offer delivery services as well as takeout and curbside pickup.
Food Trucks/Stands
Are you a caterer, restaurant, or food truck/stand serving the Northfield area not listed here (but would like to be)? Let us know!
Examples of how the depot has been used
The Depot is able to host many different types of small events, including:
- Business/Organizational: Board meetings, Team building, Trainings, Retreats
- Community: Book readings, Exhibits, Expos, Fairs, Festivals, Film screenings, Markets
- Educational: Classes, Lectures, Lunch & learns, Seminars, Workshops
- Location shooting: Films, Music videos, Photography, Videos
- Parties: Anniversaries, Baby showers, Birthdays, Galas, Graduation, Holiday, Reunions
- Performances: Dance, Improv, Live music, Poetry readings, Standup comedy, Theatre
- Wedding related: Bridal showers, Engagement parties, Wedding receptions
Below are photos examples from some past events.
Meetings & Workshops
Parties & Family Gatherings
Performances
Current Rental Fees
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Depot and Pavilion can be rented separately OR together. However, this means that if you rent ONLY the Depot or ONLY the Pavilion, someone else could schedule an event in the other at the same time as your event. If you want to prevent this, we recommend reserving both.
| Depot (up to 2 hrs.) | Non-profit Event Rate (public or private) | Small Business Event Rate | Business or Private Event Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current rates | $45 | $65 | $75 |
PLEASE NOTE:
– Set-up and clean-up time the day of your event are NOT counted as rental time.
– Events scheduled by individuals fall under “Business or private event.”
- Each additional hour beyond first 2 hours: $20/hr.
- Set up day before event: $10/hr.
- Clean up day after event: $10/hr.
- Holiday surcharge: $100 for any event held on Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, or Christmas Day. (The Depot is unavailable on New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.)
| Pavilion | Rates |
|---|---|
| Half day (1 to 4 hrs.) | $45 |
| Full day (up to 8 hrs.) | $65 |
Questions? Ask at Alice Thomas at ythoma078@yahoo.com or call 507-645-8482.
Payments
Payment is expected AFTER we have confirmed your date(s) and cost. You will have the option to pay online (debit or credit card, PayPal, Venmo), by check, or with cash.
If paying by check, the check should be made payable to Save the Northfield Depot and mailed to the following address. Please note the date of the event on the check.
Save the Northfield Depot
P.O. Box 486
Northfield, MN 55057