Press Release: Spirit of Lowertown Week
Lowertown Neighborhood Association
lowertownrochester.org
lowertown.rchmn@gmail.com
Instagram: @lowertownrochester
FB: @LowertownNA
Press Release Date: 08/17/22
MAYOR NORTON PROCLAIMS WEEK OF AUGUST 21st SPIRIT OF LOWERTOWN WEEK
[Rochester, MN, August 17th] – The Lowertown Neighborhood Association (LNA) is glad to announce Mayor Kim Norton proclaimed the week of August 21st, 2022, as Spirit of Lowertown Week, in remembrance of August 21st, 1883, when a mile-wide F5 tornado destroyed old Lower Town.
LNA president Benjamin Zastrow and the LNA Board of Officers and Directors are delighted with the news that Mayor Kim Norton approved the submitted proclamation draft. He notes that Mayor Norton was prompt in proclaiming Spirit of Lowertown Week within the city of Rochester.
LNA plans a potluck celebration at Goose Egg Park on Sunday, August 21, from 4-6 pm. All are invited to attend the potluck, including a plant and harvest share. Neighbors will view the Mayor’s reading of the proclamation on video and the official proclamation document. Attendees should bring a dish to share, plates & utensils, a personal beverage, and any house plants or harvest items from their garden to share or trade.
Mr. Zastrow says, “This proclamation honors every one of our neighbors that have lived here, worked here, or contributed to the community as we know it today. I’m proud of this neighborhood and its historical significance.”
The Lowertown neighborhood was founded in 1857 by Mayor Charles Lindsley and sits directly north of downtown. It was destroyed by a large tornado in 1883, killing and wounding many. Lowertown has also been known as Lower Town, The Northern Addition, and Northrop.
On August 20, 2018, neighbors released a plan to rebuild and revive the neighborhood as the Lowertown Neighborhood Association. Since then, many have joined in to embrace the past while building a sustainable future.
Rochester, Minnesota Mayor Kim Norton reads the Spirit of Lowertown Proclamation 2022
