At 1:30 am on Oct. 1, 2024, sirens and flashing lights announced the arrival of the Winona Fire Department to a fire on the 450 block of Huff Street. The building on fire housed the Lutheran Campus Center and Ridgelands Coffeehouse.
According to the fire department, the building sustained moderate fire damage to the rear patio and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is now under investigation.
Jacob Gareis, a fourth-year statistics student, is the one who reported the fire.
“I had decided to go for a walk, and I ended up walking past Ridgelands and I saw smoke overhead.” Gareis said. “So, at that point I called it in, and they sent people out.”
Amber Ziebell, one of the owners of Ridgelands, took to Instagram after the fire to announce that the coffeehouse would be closed indefinitely due to the damages.
“At 2am on Tuesday, October 1st, we received a phone call from our courageous first responders that our beloved coffee shop was on fire. We have worked endlessly for the last 16 months to make Ridgelands a special place for our wonderful community and are devasted that it is now all gone.”
Ridgelands Coffeehouse opened in July of 2023, offering a variety of fun drinks and food options. The mismatched chairs and couches offer a welcoming atmosphere. Being attached to the Lutheran Campus Center made it a prime spot for community members to come together. Its proximity to campus has also made it a favorite of some Winona State University students.
“I spend a decent bit of time there. The owner is wonderful, and so are the workers. The coffee is also great.” Gareis said.
The coffeehouse is family owned and operated by the Ziebell family. Over the last year and a half, they have worked to create a welcoming environment for both their staff and customers. The owners and their kids are often seen in the shop with smiles that are contagious to staff and customers.
“It definitely makes me sad, it’s a family run business, and the owner just throws herself into her work. Whatever she has planned will be great.” Gareis said.
Repairs will take time and care to restore the building back to its original state, but Ziebell remained optimistic in her post.
“We are not sure what the future is or will be but stay tuned here for more info as it comes.” Ziebell said.
