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April 2009
Greetings again from Minnesota's Vacation Paradise. The changing of the seasons is always anxiously anticipated here, and after a long winter, the arrival of spring takes on an acute awareness. But all of the signs are here - the return of the seagulls and robins, the beginning of river fishing, the lengthening days - and the unmistakable rhythms of spring bring a renewed optimism.
With this spring newsletter, we'd like to share with you a number of projects that are in progress here in Koochiching County and International Falls. Even in this difficult economy, there is significant investment in our area and we are anticipating that dirt will be moving soon. Also, in this newsletter, we highlight a local connection to Aruba - over 2,800 miles away - and how technology is shrinking geography and allowing business opportunities to connect rural areas to other parts of the country and the world. (See From Aruba to Rainy Lake).
We've reported in the past about the development of several key projects on the City's riverfront. The United States Border Patrol, in conjunction with a private developer, is finalizing plans to site a new Border Patrol headquarters on the eastern end of the property. The multi-million dollar project is anticipating beginning construction this summer and the facility will consolidate a number of functions for the patrol. On the western end of the property, the City of International Falls and General Services Administration are finalizing a lease agreement for a new Voyageurs National Park Service headquarters, heritage center, and amphitheater. With the signing of the agreement, construction can begin this year on this $20 million project. Another project that inches closer to reality is a new hospital/clinic campus located next to the current St. Mary's International Falls Clinic. Financing for the project is being finalized as well as some wetlands issues on the site. The new facility will provide an integrated and updated approach to health care for the region with collaboration between the Falls Memorial Hospital and the St. Mary's Clinic.
And while these larger scale projects are moving forward, there has been other investment and ownership changes in the area. Northland Distributing and Manufacturing is waiting for weather to continue their expansion project - the slab is in place. The 30,000 square foot expansion will allow the outdoor boiler/fireplace/indoor stove distributor to provide warehousing and eventually manufacturing and assembly. Several local landmark restaurants on Highway 53 recently changed ownership as well as the legendary Sha Sha Resort. The Chocolate Moose and the Spot Supper Club have recently been purchased and continue to provide fine dining. And, later this month, the legendary Sha Sha Resort on Rainy Lake will open under new ownership. Don't expect any major changes - even the Sha Sha chipmunks are looking forward to another Rainy Lake summer.
This is shaping up to be a busy construction season in Koochiching County. And, of course, we look forward to the many visitors that will be coming to our area to enjoy all of the recreational opportunities that spring and summer bring.
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