PROPERTY TIMELINE + PINES & GRAIN DESIGNS HISTORY
1876
Northern Pacific owned railroad land near the property and the United States owned the surrounding land for homesteaders. In 1876, N.P. sold portions of the property to Thomas Nelson. In 1880, Addison Leech, began purchasing land in Cass County owning as many as 1600 acres. According to the property’s abstract, the farming section had multiple owners on the same section during this period including the Woodruff family.
1883
Addison Leech sold the land to James Kennedy, a large construction contractor from Fargo. According to the book, “The Day of the Bonanza,” Kennedy had no interest in managing the land but purchased it with the intention that it would provide feed and house his horses that he used in the construction industry. While Kennedy owned the property, he built two massive horse barns, a workshop, the main house, worker lodging, and even a general store. It is reported that at this time, The Kennedy Farm was home to the largest horse barn in the state, 120’ x 120’ housing up to 180 horses.
1928
James Kennedy and his heirs owned and operated the property known as The Kennedy Farm from 1883 until 1928 when The Lepird family purchased the property during the downturn of the Bonanza.
1935
The Ekre Family purchased the land in 1935 before selling to The Benson Brother in 1947. The Benson Brothers then sold to the Schulz Family in 1960.
1960
Starting with Delmer & Ardell Schulz in the 1960s, the Schulz family utilized the property and surrounding farmland operating as a family farm for nearly sixty years. Many of the buildings currently on the property are a product of the Schulz generational farming operations.
2013
Grain Designs, a Fargo, ND-based furniture company was founded by Grant Koenig and Blain Mikkonen and opened in their Fargo apartment garage. The founders began crafting furniture with the goal of providing unique designs, exceptional quality products, and noteworthy customer service. Today they continue to build premium quality home and commercial office furniture from the former “farm shop” at the Pines.
Grain Designs, a Fargo, ND-based furniture company was founded by Grant Koenig and Blain Mikkonen and opened in their Fargo apartment garage. The founders began crafting furniture with the goal of providing unique designs, exceptional quality products, and noteworthy customer service. Today they continue to build premium quality home and commercial office furniture from the former “farm shop” at the Pines.
2018
Grain Designs purchased the property from The Schulz Family and immediately began reimagining and planning how the property could be utilized. Replicating similar values held by Grain Designs, the Pines Weddings & Events concept was developed with great attention to detail, a well-designed venue, and noteworthy service in mind. Business plans and Pines White construction began soon after! In Fall 2018, the Pines Weddings & Events neared completion of its first venue and successfully hosted the properties first wedding!
2022
The Pines property and businesses continue to expand. Pines Black, a second event experience, will utilize the western half of the property. Pines Black will be a modern + industrial, barn-inspired, black exterior event venue with a 345-person capacity. Pines Black will include a large venue hall, an indoor wedding ceremony space that can double as corporate meeting/breakout space, as well as a bridal prep suites and an indoor golf simulator! Learn more about PINES BLACK here.
It is truly our pleasure to share this property with you. The Grain Designs team has designed and crafted custom furniture and unique moments all over the Pines property including many pieces in the farmhouse, Pines Black lounge, dining tables and bars for both Pines venues, sliding doors, custom signs, and more. We hope you enjoy your experience as much as have enjoyed building it!
