On December 8, a group of partners, volunteers, and neighbors gathered in Downtown Duluth to celebrate the opening of The Nest, a new outdoor dining space created for Union Gospel Mission. The space was built for a very real reason. The demand for meals and daily services has grown so much that guests were often spilling outside with nowhere comfortable to sit or gather. The Nest was created to support that need.
This project came together through Heirloom Property Management, Essentia Health, Movo Studios, Juice Pharm, Downtown Duluth, and the Duluth Area Chamber. Each group played a role in making sure the Mission’s guests had a place that felt clean, safe, and welcoming.
Why The Nest Matters
Union Gospel Mission continues to serve more people every year. Many guests rely on their daily meals, and during busy times those meals are enjoyed outside on the sidewalk or wherever space could be found. The Nest helps change that. It gives guests a dedicated outdoor area where they can sit, eat, and take a moment for themselves.
These handcrafted wooden benches and tables are the heart of The Nest. Built to be sturdy, simple, and welcoming, they give guests of Union Gospel Mission a real place to sit, eat, and rest outside. What used to be overflow onto the sidewalk is now a dedicated space designed with care and dignity. It is a small change that will make a daily difference for the people who rely on the Mission each day.
Visitors to Union Gospel Mission deserve dignity, and sometimes dignity begins with a seat at a table.
Learn more about the Mission at
https://www.ugmduluth.org/
How the Project Came Together
Heirloom Property Management helped lead the project, but it took a full team effort to bring it to life.
Essentia Health stepped in early with support, wanting to help create a space that cared for people beyond clinical settings.
https://www.essentiahealth.org/
A Ribbon Cutting Filled With Community
The ribbon cutting brought out a large crowd despite the December cold. Staff from Union Gospel Mission, partners from across Duluth, and Heirloom team members stood together to officially open the space. The moment the ribbon dropped, it was clear how meaningful this project was for everyone involved.
Guests who rely on the Mission watched with pride as their new space was unveiled. It felt like a small but important win for a part of downtown that sees a lot of need and a lot of heart.
Looking Forward
The Nest is ready for use and has already become popular amongst UMG patrons. It will give Union Gospel Mission a little more room to meet growing demand. More importantly, it will give their guests a place that feels intentional and cared for.
Heirloom Property Management is grateful to have played a part in supporting this effort. Projects like this remind us that property management is not only about buildings. It is also about people, and helping strengthen the communities where we live and work.
To learn more about Heirloom Property Management and our community involvement, visit rentwithheirloom.com
