Planned Community on Rainy Lake Under Construction
Twin and single home development made possible by expanded sewer services on Jackfish Bay and will be the first of its kind on Rainy Lake. Thanks to careful planning and thoughtful shoreline management the community will bring new housing possibilities to Koochiching County.
International Falls, MN, May 14, 2007 - The vision and hard work of four development partners are combining to create a remarkable opportunity for new home ownership on the shores of Rainy Lake. Located in beautiful northern Minnesota, Koochiching County offers world-class fishing, myriad recreational opportunities and a more relaxed pace of life. At the same time the development is creating a demand for local materials and high-quality workmanship. Besides a view of the gentle waters of the bay, an attraction for homeowners is the common entrance, grounds upkeep and general exterior maintenance as well as the common lake access facility and top-end interiors.
The brainchild of partners Richard Thompson, Robert Thompson, Ladd Kocinski and Dennis Kennedy, a new Planned Unit Development will feature seven twin-home and two single-home residences. These partners all call Rainy Lake home and are committed to thoughtful and sustainable development.
The idea for housing that provides premium living with a minimum of upkeep came up about three years ago. Since that time, the partners have pursued land purchase and the issuance of permits, working with the local sewer district, the Department of Natural Resources and Koochiching County among others. The project would not have been possible without recent sewer extensions to service the Jackfish Bay community.
The experience with regulatory agencies and the county has been a positive one, according to the Thompsons, who operate Northern Lumber, a family-owned business in International Falls. The project has already had a positive impact on the local economy. Locally based Wagner Construction is involved, and local plumbers, electricians and carpenters are contributing. Materials will be purchased locally as well. "It’s also great for the tax base," Richard Thompson pointed out. The development, he predicted, would increase ten-fold the tax value of the land.
Interest in the units is already high; one unit has been sold and work on a second twin home will begin this season. Are the developing partners excited about the project? "I'm going to take a unit," Robert Thompson confided.
About the Koochiching Economic Development Authority (KEDA): KEDA was created by statute in 2000 as a joint powers development authority between the City of International Falls and Koochiching County. KEDA was created to centralize and coordinate the economic development efforts throughout Koochiching County. Its primary focus is on job retention, creation, and diversification. KEDA is the point of contact for businesses looking to start, expand, or locate in Koochiching and can assist in site selection, economic assistance, workforce information, and simplifying the process. For more info visit www.businessupnorth.com.
