Widseth recently joined the American Cancer Society and project partners to celebrate the completion of a newly renovated community kitchen at Hope Lodge in Minneapolis. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on January 22 to mark the milestone and recognize the impact the updated space will have on guests staying at the lodge while receiving cancer treatment.
The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge is a free lodging facility that supports cancer patients and their caregivers who must travel away from home for treatment. Located near major cancer treatment centers, Hope Lodge provides more than just a place to stay—it offers comfort, stability, and a sense of community during an incredibly challenging time. Minnesota is home to two Hope Lodge locations, in Minneapolis and Rochester.
The Minneapolis Hope Lodge includes three shared kitchen areas that guests can use throughout their stay. Some guests are there for only a few nights, while others call Hope Lodge home for several months. Access to a functional, welcoming kitchen is essential, giving guests the ability to prepare meals, gather with others, and maintain a sense of normalcy.
Phase one of the renovation project focused on updating one of the three community kitchens, with future phases planned to renovate the remaining two kitchens. The remodeled kitchen now features ample counter space for meal preparation and serving, larger storage cupboards where guests can store personal food items, and a row of shared refrigerators. New stoves and sinks were also installed, improving functionality and accessibility for daily use.
Interior Designer Lindsey Kriens (left) and Project Manager Dolly Oberoi (middle) help serve a meal to the guests at Hope Lodge.
In addition to the kitchen upgrades, phase one included updated finishes throughout the space and enhancements to the adjacent dining area. A dedicated grab-and-go area, stocked with nourishing snacks that are available to all guests at no cost, was also updated. This free pantry is supported through donations and helps ensure guests facing financial hardship have access to food during their stay.
Following the ribbon cutting, Widseth team members, alongside staff from Greiner Construction, had the opportunity to serve a meal to Hope Lodge guests in attendance. The shared meal was a meaningful way to celebrate the project’s completion and connect directly with the people the space was designed to serve.
Widseth is proud to support the mission of the American Cancer Society and Hope Lodge through projects that prioritize dignity, comfort, and community. We look forward to continuing our partnership as future phases of the kitchen renovations move forward and additional spaces are updated to better serve guests and caregivers.
