Minnesota had raised the funds! Construction plans were underway. The request for bids went out on January 17, 1992, and the board sought contractors who would donate labor and materials. With the dedication date planned for the weekend of September 26 and 27, 1992, construction would begin in the spring of 1992.
The state awarded the project to James Steele Construction Company, owned by Dick and Sandy Naughton. Twenty-three companies and subcontractors provided materials and labor at a substantially reduced price. Construction began in April.
Corporate Sponsors: Tom Ellison Architects LDB International Corporation (Popp Telecom, Inc.)