Winona Mall to be transformed into education facility for students with special needs

WINONA, Minn. (WKBT) -- The Winona Mall is going to look different soon, thanks to a new owner.

Hiwatha Valley Education District bought the Winona Mall for $4.2 million and plans to transform the building into an educational facility.

The HVED has helped students with special needs for thirty-five years.

Executive director Deb Marcotte said their new location will be dedicated to accommodating students with autism and emotional and behavioral challenges.

"It's a central located space, with sufficient space to provide students inside and outside that will accommodate all of their needs," said Marcotte.

HVED serves students with special needs from birth to age 21. The new site will serve k-12 students in its member districts.

"This is an opportunity to provide the very best services we can through an updated facility designed for their needs."

Rebecca Morrison comes to the Winona Mall all the time. Although she's sad to see many businesses leave, she's glad it's for a good cause.

"I hate to see these have to leave but if they can go somewhere else that would be great, especially for an educational purpose," said Morrison.

Once HVED's new site opens, Marcotte says the educational facility will have some big goals.

"We're looking for building relationships with colleges and universities in town and around the area. We're looking at providing jobs for a lot of the community members in and around Winona and providing excellent services for our students," said Marcotte.

HVED'S new facility will be ready by July 2025. Two restaurants and one retailer will remain open in the mall.

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