Thom Storm Chalet reconstruction begins, expanding Chester Bowl community space

Chester Bowl’s Thom Storm Chalet is being torn down and rebuilt from the ground up after more than 50 years of service in one of Duluth’s busiest recreation hubs. The project is meant to do more than replace an aging building at 1801 E Skyline Parkway in Chester Park. It is designed to keep families, skiers, campers and volunteer-led programs using the 135-acre park for years to come.

The existing chalet was built in the early 1970s and later named for Thom Storm, who retired in 2015 after more than four decades with the organization. But an asset report found the building had 32 systems beyond useful life, 14 that were potentially critical and 13 accessibility limitations, making a full reconstruction necessary rather than a simple renovation. The City of Duluth says the chalet has been the heart of Chester Park for more than 50 years, yet it is outdated, in disrepair and too small for current programming.

When the new building rises, it will grow from 3,330 square feet and two stories to 5,220 square feet and three stories. The design adds an accessible elevator, accessible restrooms, multipurpose space, a viewing deck and improved infrastructure, along with accessible parking. That expansion is aimed at making the chalet a year-round community resource, not just a winter lodge.

Chester Bowl held a ceremonial groundbreaking on April 20, 2026, and the project is now listed as under construction. The city completed final designs and released the bid for a construction contractor in 2026 after Duluth City Council authorized acceptance of grant funds, a funding and project-management agreement with the Chester Bowl Improvement Club and a professional services contract with LHB in October 2025. The work carries $2.312 million from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund, while the club’s Growing Up Chester campaign is covering the remaining gap.

Chester Bowl still needs to raise $275,000, including $100,000 by May 21. The club expects the rebuild to be finished in time for the start of the 2026-2027 ski season, with rentals resuming in 2027. Until then, the construction period will leave families waiting for the updated chalet that Chester Bowl says it needs to keep ski and snowboard lessons, summer and fall day camps, festivals, concerts and youth leadership programs accessible. The club says the current facility already forces it to turn away dozens of families each year.