Mayo Meditation Space, Center for Spirituality and Healing, Academic Health Center at the University of Minnesota

Completed in 1965, the Meditation Space was originally created to provide hospital patients and their families a quiet place for reflection and respite. The Meditation Space is a free-standing, ten-sided, two-story structure linked to the Mayo Memorial Building by a stained glass passageway.

With construction of the new hospital, the space fell into disuse until 2000 when it was reassigned to the Center for Spirituality & Healing. Since then the Center has filled it daily as:

• a classroom
• a laboratory for research on Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
• a gathering spot for wide-ranging groups of interest, including the University of Minnesota Student Mindfulness Club
• the site for a free drop-in stress busters program

A 2006 structural analysis determined that the space was unfit for occupancy due to significant structural damage. After careful consideration that included a review of building repair costs, impact of demolition on University programs and services, and the potential eligibility of the space for the National Register of Historic Places, the University decided to preserve The Meditation Space. University funds will pay to repair damage to the exterior of the building and restoration work is currently in progress with completion set for winter 2008.

However, while the University has committed to pay for external repairs, the Center must bear responsibility for updating the space interior. Since the building’s construction over 40 years ago, there have been no significant renovations to this space. With increased demand and diverse utilization of The Mediation Space, this is an opportune time to update the space for years to come.

Needed improvements include:

• Replacement of worn carpet with a heated wood floor.  This flooring will better meet the needs of meditation, yoga and body movement courses and will address a long standing issue with maintaining a stable room temperature, especially during winter.
• Lighting that can be easily adjusted to meet diverse program needs.
• A sound system to improve room acoustics.
• Audiovisual and wireless equipment for distance learning.
• New furniture that addresses the multi-functional nature of the room (e.g. collapsible tables, chairs, and benches).

Funds needed for interior restoration project:  $125,000

Please consider making a gift. To donate to our Mayo Meditation Space Restoration project or for more information, please contact the Center for Spirituality & Healing at 612-624-9459.