Mankato, MN (January 18, 2023) — The Mankato Area Foundation (MAF) is pleased to announce the charitable donation of the Emy Frentz Arts Guild building to their organization. The historic location is joining the Shared Spaces family to become an additional nonprofit center. To be named “Shared Spaces at Emy Frentz,” the goal is to provide affordable, professional offices and event space for arts-centric nonprofit organizations.

This building was generously gifted by Tony Frentz, who has been the owner since 2007 when he purchased the 523 S. Second Street property from The First Church of Christ Scientist. At the time, he transitioned the property in collaboration with Twin Rivers Council of the Arts into a home for artist’s studios and nonprofit offices in memory of his mother, Emy – a local artist. After 15 years as studio and office space, Frentz worked with MAF to identify other ways to support local nonprofit and arts organizations. “Overwhelmingly, we were told a location with affordable and professional office, convening, and event space was on the top of the sector’s needs,” said Nancy Zallek, President and CEO of MAF.

“A vibrant arts community adds to a city’s quality of life and economic value. The arts were very prominent in my household growing up, and we created the Emy Frentz Arts Guild as a way to support those organizations,” said Frentz. “I saw the impact MAF created with Shared Spaces as a home and hub for regional nonprofit organizations and knew that we could do something transformational with the building and continue to help the arts community.”

This isn’t the first time Frentz has donated a building for a philanthropic purpose. In 2019, he and Rob Else gifted the now Shared Spaces Philanthropy Center building to MAF. The addition was greatly needed due to the demand and success of Shared Spaces in providing affordable office space to nonprofit organizations.  “I am thrilled about the atmosphere this new addition will provide our arts community,” said Zallek. “A presence in the heart of downtown provides a catalyst for these organizations to thrive and collaborate.”

Once renovations are completed, the building will have the capacity for approximately 15 offices and include a high-quality, multipurpose event and performing space available to all nonprofits within the community.

About the Mankato Area Foundation

The Mankato Area Foundation is a donor-driven community foundation whose purpose is to improve the livability in Greater Mankato through philanthropy. Our community foundation connects donors with causes they care about, provides funding to address key community objectives and convenes individuals and organizations to find solutions for local challenges.

To learn more about the Mankato Area Foundation and how the organization makes an impact on this region visit www.mankatoareafoundation.com or visit us on Facebook.