For decades, the large brick building on the edge of Wykoff served as the town’s school. Today, it operates as Wykoff Commons, a community-focused facility offering fitness, recreation, and event space while preserving one of the city’s most recognizable structures.
The oldest portion of the building dates back to 1939, with additions completed in 1959, 1970, 1975 and 1986. For generations, it housed kindergarten through 12th grade students before Wykoff’s school merged with Kingsland in 1992. After the merger, the building became Kingsland Middle School until roughly 2016, when school use gradually wound down.
The property was sold at auction in 2018. By that point, the building had no heat and had been largely stripped of usable fixtures and equipment. The kitchen had been completely removed, and the gym floor was taken out due to environmental concerns, leaving bare concrete behind.
“It was essentially empty when we got it,” said Mark Burmeister, who helps oversee the facility. “A lot of work had already gone into saving it from freezing, and we’ve continued restoring it piece by piece.”
Two local residents initially purchased the building with the goal of keeping it available for community use. For several years, they focused on stabilizing the structure and preventing further deterioration. Eventually, a nonprofit organization was formed to take over long-term operations. Ownership transferred in May 2020, and the fitness center opened later that fall as a way to generate steady revenue to cover utilities and maintenance costs.
Today, the building’s two gymnasiums see the most consistent use. One gym measures 100 by 100 feet, while the second measures 60 by 80 feet and includes a stage. The larger gym also includes bleacher seating for approximately 850 people, a capacity that still stands out in a town of about 430 residents.
“There really isn’t another fitness center in the county with a full-size gymnasium,” Burmeister said.
In addition to the gyms, the building includes a cafeteria space measuring roughly 40 by 60 feet. Heating limitations currently restrict its use during winter months, though it has hosted class reunions and other gatherings from spring through fall. Expanding year-round use of that space remains a long-term goal, along with continued roof and ceiling work throughout the building.
The fitness center operates daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monthly membership costs $25 for individuals and $35 for families, with reduced pricing available for those using insurance-based fitness programs. Annual membership options are also offered. Burmeister said rates have not increased since opening, reflecting an effort to keep the facility affordable.
The fitness center currently serves more than 150 members. Despite that number, Burmeister says overcrowding has not been an issue due to the size of the building and the way usage spreads throughout the day.
Beyond fitness, Wykoff Commons functions as a rental and event venue. The gym spaces host youth basketball practices, homeschool volleyball groups, pickleball leagues, craft fairs, concerts, and other community events. Pickleball alone draws roughly 20 regular participants each week, with courts set up inside the gym.
Several large events are scheduled for early 2026. The annual Sportsman Show is set for February 20 and 21 and typically draws more than 1,000 visitors over two days. The St. Johns Winter Carnival will take place on January 31 and will fill the gym with inflatable attractions, games, and activities geared toward children.
Rental availability remains open, particularly outside the holiday season. “We’re actively used, but we still have capacity,” Burmeister said, noting that use tends to fluctuate by season.
Those interested in renting space or learning more about fitness memberships can contact Wykoff Commons directly for information and availability. Event announcements are currently shared through social media, with plans underway for a more comprehensive website and public calendar later this year. For those who have never been inside the building, Burmeister said questions and inquiries are welcome, noting that continued use of the facility depends on involvement from the broader community.
Wykoff Commons is located at 201 W. Bartlett Street, Wykoff
Call 507-722-2106 or email wykoffcommons@gmail.com.
Updates on upcoming events and activities are posted on the Wykoff Commons Facebook page.
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