Saving Style

Zinnias in Waseca offers history along with home décor

By Ann Kohler

Photo by Eric Moore

A trek to Waseca can take you farther than 80 miles from the Twin Cities. If you hit the right spot, it will take you back to the 1920s. The Waseca Depot, originally built to service the Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway, was placed on the top 10 list of most endangered historic places by the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota in 2007. Local residents Tamie and Tim Collins decided to save this historic treasure and transform it into a home furnishings shop. “I’ve always had an interest in home décor and design and keeping up with the latest trends and decorating styles,” says Tamie, an elementary school teacher by training. After five months of hard labor, the Collins’ vision became a reality last October. Now, the old depot’s yellow Chaska brick walls, archways, and terrazzo floors house Zinnias, a 1,400-square-foot store that boasts as much character and ambiance as its surroundings. Head south one fine spring day and browse for kitchen utensils, picture frames, clocks, rugs, and furniture by Dash & Albert, Voluspa, Stonewall Kitchen, Cucina, and Umbra.

Left to Right: TIMELESS TREASURE Wood and metal clock by Umbra, $50. LIGHT MY FIRE Hand-poured “Timber” candles by Vance Kitira, $6–$24. SEAT YOURSELF Upholstered armchair in Curly Cue by Klote International, $425, and patterned accent pillow by CBK, $25.

Zinnias, 231 West Elm Ave., Waseca, 507-833-5822

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