Business Hours

About

The Backus Community Center was designed by architect Nairne W. Fisher in the Art Deco style and constructed using P.W.A. funds in 1936-1937. At a cost of $391,000 it was the most expensive public works project in Koochiching County. Named the "E.W. Backus Junior High School", it served the educational needs of area students for decades until closed by the school district in 1991. A grass-roots group of dedicated individuals began a campaign to convince the school district to sell them the building complex rather than demolish it at the cost of almost $1,000,000 to the county. Following years of struggle, the keys were finally handed over to Citizens for Backus in 2002. Each year over 20,000 adults and children patronize the building. In 2002 there were five proposed rental opportunities and now the Backus building is home to 12 various businesses serving the community in a central location. Hundreds of people use the facility on a regular basis making Backus Community Center a vital part of International Falls and the surrounding areas. Today, the building sees new life as a home for the arts, culture, youth programs and community services. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.