The West End Community Improvement Association (WECIA) was organized in 1954 with Herb Davis serving as president. The group was organized to oppose development of the gravel pit near Minnetonka Blvd. and the Great Northern spur line. In December 1950 the Village had contracted with Landers Norblom-Christenson Sand and Gravel Co. to remove sand and gravel and grade the former Holasek Farm at 28th and Texas.
In 1954, the gravel company advised the Village that only one more season’s supply of sand and gravel could be removed from the pit. This could potentially open the land up for the development of homes, which alarmed the WECIA, which was desperately in need of a new grade school in its community.
The WECIA actively supported the school board’s acquisition of a portion of the gravel pit land for a future grade school. The association actively opposed rezoning for commercial usage, open-development property in the community bounded tightly by residential areas. The group also actively lobbied for the passage of the City Charter, and supported plans to ensure adequate recreation facilities for the 1,500+ children in the West End.
Davis resigned to run for the City Council and was replaced by Duane O. Jackson.
As a result of the group’s efforts, Aquila School was built at 8500 W. 31st Street in 1957.
The group had/has nothing to do with the West End, which is actually in the northeast corner of St. Louis Park.