Midwest town rebuilds downtown a decade after destructive fire.

Madelia, Minnesota, rebuilt its Main Street ten years after a February 3, 2016 fire destroyed eight businesses; community support and a $1.7 million state allocation helped the recovery.

A major fire swept through Main Street in Madelia, Minnesota, on February 3, 2016, destroying eight businesses and changing the small city of about 2,500 people. No one was injured, and crews demolished buildings during firefighting, so no cause was determined. Local residents and nearby businesses provided temporary space and help while fundraisers and state assistance supported cleanup and rebuilding. Ten years later, the town's downtown has been rebuilt and many former businesses have reopened in new locations. Known details: - The blaze on February 3, 2016 destroyed eight Main Street businesses, including a hair salon, a restaurant, an upholstery shop, an insurance office and a dentist's office. - No injuries were reported, and no official cause was determined because buildings were taken down during firefighting efforts. - Local responses included hairstylists working from another salon, a temporary kitchen at the golf course clubhouse, and a Minneapolis fundraiser that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for affected businesses. - In 2017, Minnesota's governor signed a bill that allocated $1.7 million for cleanup and key infrastructure replacements in Madelia. - Affected businesses such as La Plaza Fiesta and Hope & Faith Floral have reopened; La Plaza Fiesta now includes a Hispanic grocery store and the florist marks the fire anniversary with a gesture for firefighters. Summary: Madelia's rebuilt Main Street reflects a combination of community cooperation, outside fundraising and state funding, and several businesses have returned in new or expanded forms. Undetermined at this time.