Honoring a Legacy While Building for the Future

In May 2025, the town of Rice, Minnesota witnessed the end of an era and the beginning of a bold new chapter. The iconic old schoolhouse, originally built in 1911 and a landmark of community learning for decades, was respectfully demolished. But the story does not end there. Rising from the very foundation of that historic site is the future home of Keystone Design Build, a Minnesota-based construction firm with deep personal and professional roots in the area.

This project is not just a relocation. It is a tribute. A transformation. And for founder Marc Kelash, it is personal.

The Schoolhouse That Shaped Generations

A Century of Education and Community

The Rice schoolhouse began its journey between 1912 and 1913, educating generations of children until it closed in the late 1950s. For decades, its brick halls were alive with curiosity, community, and connection. After its closure as a public school, the building served as a home for antique dealers, providing a second life as a community gathering place.

Then in 1992, the building found a new owner. Marc Kelash, who would later go on to establish Keystone Design Build, purchased the property. The schoolhouse became more than just a property; it became part of his life’s story.

“My son was born here,” Kelash said. “It is more than a foundation. It is a legacy.”

The Reunion That Reinforced a Mission

Community Ties That Never Broke

Just a year after Kelash purchased the building, something remarkable happened. In 1993, a schoolhouse reunion brought former students back to the place that had shaped their early years. They walked the halls, laughed over shared memories, and remembered a time when the building stood at the heart of Rice’s identity.

This enduring emotional connection inspired Kelash and his team to create something more than an office. They envisioned a space that respects the past while propelling the community into the future.

Keystone Design Build’s Vision for the Site

A Hub of Innovation and Heritage

Keystone Design Build is known throughout Minnesota for its specialized construction services, including commercial spaces, dental offices, and funeral homes. What sets the company apart is its fully integrated design-build model. This model offers clients a seamless experience from architectural planning to final construction.

Their new headquarters in Rice will symbolize this ethos. It will serve not only as the company’s home base but as a beacon for the community and clients alike.

Why This Site Matters

For Kelash, selecting the old schoolhouse site was not just about nostalgia. It was about stewardship.

“This is not just a construction site,” he said. “This is a part of Rice’s history. And now, it is a part of our future.”

How Keystone Delivers Value

Expert Services for Specialized Markets

Keystone’s expertise extends across three key sectors:

• Commercial Construction: From ground-up builds to tenant improvements and remodels, Keystone brings design and construction under one roof.
• Dental Office Construction: Creating patient-centric environments with efficiency and modern aesthetics.
• Funeral Home Construction: Designing spaces that are comforting, respectful, and functional.

These services are tailored for decision-makers such as business owners, developers, and facility managers throughout Minnesota and surrounding regions.

Solving Real Pain Points

Keystone understands the challenges clients face:

• Finding a contractor that truly integrates design and build.
• Managing timelines and budgets across multiple stakeholders.
• Needing niche expertise in regulated industries like healthcare and funeral services.

With its unified team and hands-on project management, Keystone addresses these issues directly. Every project reflects client goals and values.

Community Engagement and Forward Thinking

Building With Integrity and Purpose

Keystone’s new headquarters will do more than house desks and blueprints. It will embody the company’s mission to create functional, beautiful, and meaningful spaces. The architectural plans include nods to the site’s educational heritage, potentially preserving materials or design elements from the original building.

Sustainability and Innovation

In line with growing industry trends, the new headquarters may feature energy-efficient systems, smart building technology, and sustainable materials. These features reflect Keystone’s commitment to forward-thinking design without compromising the character and history of the location.

Watch the Story Come to Life

What This Means for Rice and Beyond

A Model of Respect and Progress

The decision to build Keystone’s new headquarters on such a meaningful site represents a perfect blend of community respect and business growth. It sends a powerful message that success does not have to come at the expense of heritage.

As Rice looks toward the future, it can do so knowing that a cherished part of its past is being preserved. Not in a museum, but in the very bricks and beams of a new chapter.

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