August 2009
NORTHOME DOWNTOWN GETS NEW ADDITION
The city of Northome, population 207, located in the southern part of Koochiching County was devastated when their multi-use municipal liquor store, library and laundromat was destroyed by fire in July of 2006.
The building was located in the heart of the small downtown and left a physical and communal void when it was torn down. Replacing the structure became somewhat thorny as the insurance company and the city negotiated through a lengthy replacement cost and design process. With the help of Representative Tom Anzelc, Northome received a $300,000 grant from the State of Minnesota to offset re-construction costs.
The new Municipal building with a half-log façade now houses a municipal liquor store, City Hall and community meeting room, and a laundromat. The library was relocated to the old City Hall location where additional remodeling has occurred. After some last minute delays, the new building opened for business on May 9, 2009, with a Grand Opening on June 12th.
If your travels bring you into friendly downtown Northome, make it a point to stop in to see the new building and check out the custom handcrafted bar in the liquor store.
