History of Our East Office Building Originally built in 1976, the east office underwent several rounds of updates until the property was purchased and renovated to meet our needs in 2017. The 24,000-square-foot building now houses our Adult Day Support program, Cooks in the Kitchen (CIK), Program Directors (PD), and Maintenance team. Previously, we rented two separate buildings, one for the Adult Day Support program and one for the PD office, while the maintenance team was located in the lower level of the 9th Avenue home. Today, the building also houses many offices, cubicles for flex work, four conference/meeting rooms, and a large training room. The lower level’s large open area is perfect for the Adult Day Support program and includes an office, smaller rooms for activities, and a lunchroom and kitchen. The lunchroom’s full kitchen is the site for Cooks in the Kitchen (CIK) and opens up to a smaller dining area used by office employees. There is also an elevator, which is ideal for those who have some mobility issues. In our office spaces, all are welcome. We want to honor our past as a source of learning and growth, while focusing on planning for the future. Our goal is to continue to provide quality services for the people we support, engage and hire skilled staff members, and be an active partner in the White Bear Lake community.
The History of Northeast Residence
Reception Area Ceramic Tile Mural
In 1971, a group of dedicated and caring people in the northeast metro area, who worked with children with developmental disabilities, had a vision. After two-and-a half-years of pure determination that vision was realized.
The mosaic mural on the wall in our reception area, is made up of ceramic tiles created by individuals supported in our east side homes. The mural holds a historical connection to our space. Each tile was handmade by a person supported and staff members.
In 1973 a dedicated group of volunteers opened Northeast Residence at St. Mary’s convent. They offered the first respite care, which did not fit existing regulations, but the County was supportive. In 1973 a dedicated group of volunteers opened Northeast Residence (NER) at St. Mary’s convent. That same year, NER was incorporated and approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Artwork by People Supported The art on the walls of the office by the people supported who love to express themselves through their artwork. Many pieces show the viewer what is important to the artist from their point of view.
We Are Better Together On January 1, 2021, NER was acquired by Hammer Residences, and began to work together to merge the two organizations. Hammer & NER have now fully joined forces with homes throughout the east and west metro, along with an office in White Bear Lake and in Wayzata.