Building Sjölunden

After more than 30 years watching Sjölunden grow into the United States leader in pre-collegiate Swedish language and cultural education, helping thousands of young people fall in love with the language and customs of Sweden, the time has come to build an architecturally authentic Language Village facility for Sjölunden. As we create this new facility together, we will ensure that Sjölunden villagers today, tomorrow, and for generations to come have the space and facilities they need to learn, love, and enjoy not only the Swedish language, but the broader world-view and international consciousness that the Language Villages experience provides.

Why a Swedish Language Village?

Sjölunden is not only the largest Swedish language and cultural immersion program in North America, but is also the only accredited high school credit program offering four levels of Swedish in the United States. Since its founding in 1975, the Village has experienced growth in terms of participants as well as the variety and depth of programming it offers. It is at Sjölunden where youth develop a lifelong passion for Swedish language and culture, while making personal connections to contemporary Sweden. By adding a Swedish site to the architecturally authentic Villages currently in place, Concordia Language Villages will more fully represent the depth and breadth of world language programming.

Project Overview

The inspiration for the architectural design of Sjölunden is derived from the concept of a Swedish costal fishing village with attention to the color and façade often seen on costal waterways with a focus on the significance of water in everyday life in Sweden. The design model of a Swedish coastal fishing village provides the inspiration for an authentic experience for young people and their families. The path through the woods becomes the main street of the Village, as tightly spaced buildings follow the winding path from the existing Finnish Village. This intimate street scene opens up to a larger Village square, surrounded by public buildings including the main dining hall and the library. From here, another path leads down to the boathouse and the lake.

Phase One: Vävstugan and Stuga

The first phase of Sjölunden construction will create one cabin (stuga), able to house 12 villagers, as well as a weaving studio (vävstugan) that will allow villagers to explore Nordic textile and design traditions. Completion of these projects will enable Sjölunden to accommodate more villagers in the growing program. Timing: 2006 - 2007 Cost: $485,000

	Phase Two: Båthuset, Bostäder and Stugor
	Continuing the design theme of a Swedish fishing village, phase two construction will create a boathouse (båthuset), as well as staff housing facilities (bostäder) and two additional cabins (stugor). Completion of these projects will enable more Sjölunden villagers to develop their sailing skills as they share in Sweden's appreciation for water activities and the environment. Staff housing will provide much-needed space for Sjölunden's excellent instructors—many of whom have contributed to Sjölunden for over ten years—as well as for their families and visiting educators. The two additional cabins will allow the program to house more villagers and expand its high school credit program. Timing: 2007 - 2008 Cost: $745,000

Phase Three: Det Stora Huset and Biblioteket

Sjölunden's third phase of construction will add a main building (det stora huset) containing a dining hall seating 50-60 people, a serving kitchen, a traditional Swedish fireplace and a staff office, as well as a classroom building and library (biblioteket). The new library will allow villagers to fully access Sjölunden's extensive library of Swedish books, newspapers, comics, films, reference materials and magazines. It also provides a place for meeting, studying and enjoying free time. The dining hall and kitchen will provide opportunities for villagers to explore Swedish culinary traditions as they cook and eat together. Timing: 2008 - 2010 Cost: $1,520,000

Project Total: $2.75 million

Join us to help Sjölunden grow

For centuries, Sweden has been characterized by its distinct natural beauty, outdoor lifestyle, and dedication to the environment. As we endeavor to recreate that unique character in a site for Sjölunden on Turtle River Lake, we turn to the flowers of Sweden for inspiration. With your gift to support the continued study of Swedish language and culture, we invite you to celebrate Sweden's natural beauty as we cultivate its continued appreciation together.

Gifts of $1,000-$4,000 honor  Prästkrage—Leucanthemum vulgare Lam.
Gifts of $5,000-$9,999 honor  Fläder—Sambucus nigra L.
Gifts of $10,000-$24,999 honor  Lin—Linum usitatissimum L.
Gifts of $25,000-$49,999 honor  Vitsippa—Anemone nemerosa L.
Gifts of $50,000-$99,999 honor  Liljekonvalj—Convallaria majalis L.
Gifts of $100,000-$199,999 honor  Gullviva—Primula veris L.
Gifts of $200,000-$299,999 honor  Vit näckros—Nymphaea alba L.
Gifts of $300,000+ honor  Linnea—Linnaea borealis L.

We welcome you to join us in the coming months and years as we complete our plans to fulfill Sjölunden's potential. With your support, we can provide an authentic, year-round home for programs that prepare young people for lives of global citizenship through the understanding and respect for Sweden's language and heritage.

To give to the construction of Sjölunden online, please click here. If you would rather send your donation by mail, click on the link below to download a small donation form with further instructions on giving to Concordia Language Villages. Tack så mycket!