A Landmark Worth Saving

Built in 1918, the former service station on Randall Street has greeted generations of residents and visitors as they entered Potwin. For more than a century it stood as the town’s front porch — the first thing people saw when they came downtown. In recent decades, the building fell into disrepair, a quiet reminder of the challenges facing many small towns.

Station 85 is our community’s effort to bring that landmark back to life. The name honors Potwin’s founding year of 1885, a tribute to the resilience that has defined this town for generations. Together, we’re reclaiming a symbol of our past and transforming it into a cornerstone for Potwin’s future.

Restoring More Than a Building

Potwin and nearby communities have long faced the difficulties of a rural food desert and a quiet Main Street. Access to fresh foods is limited, and places to gather are few. Station 85 will help change that by turning an empty building into a working example of what small towns can do together.

Our project will:
• Improve local food access through a marketplace featuring fresh and locally produced goods.
• Revitalize downtown by restoring a visible historic property and encouraging new business activity.
• Foster community connection through a welcoming “third place” — not home, not work, but the space in between where neighbors meet and belong.
• Preserve rural heritage by honoring the craftsmanship and stories tied to this 1918 structure.

Our Vision

To restore the heart of Potwin as a space built by the community, for the community — where local foods, handmade goods, and shared experiences bring people together again. 

Building a Rural Marketplace for the Future

When complete, Station 85 will include:

●        The Market. A year-round marketplace for local food, art, and craftsmanship — connecting farmers, bakers, and makers of all kinds.

●        The Snack & Gathering Space. A hang-out area serving beverages, small bites, and a comfortable spot to relax, socialize and attend community events.

●        A Community Lawn. A flexible outdoor area for farmers markets, concerts, and festivals that bring people together.

Restoration First, Growth Next

Our immediate priority is stabilizing and restoring the historic station — repairing the structure, updating utilities, and preparing the interior for use. Upon taking possession of the property, we will assume a structure with a collapsed roof and floor, and no operational electricity or plumbing. This project is ambitious, but so are we. Once the building is open, we’ll expand operations across the full property, transforming the lawn and adjoining bays into spaces for gathering, creativity, and local enterprise.

The total investment is significant but achievable through community effort. Every hour of volunteer labor, donated material, and financial gift moves this vision closer to reality. Restoration is only the beginning; the long-term plan is to grow Station 85 into a sustainable resource that benefits the entire region.