Proposed downtown Grand Marais mixed-use commercial building headed to city planning and zoning

During the upcoming Jan. 3 meeting, the city planning and zoning commission will review and decide whether to approve a conditional use permit to construct a mixed-use 10,000-square-foot commercial building in downtown Grand Marais. 

The owner of Mayhew Inn in downtown Grand Marais, Joel Saint John, has submitted a request for a conditional use permit to construct a mixed-use commercial building consisting of retail, a restaurant, an event center, and lodging. The proposed building will be in the vacant lots next to Sven & Ole’s, formerly the home of White Pine North, the Crooked Spoon Cafe, and Picnic & Pine. The three businesses burned down in April of 2020. The three lots are zoned DW Core Downtown Waterfront District. 

The conditional use permit states the proposed mixed-use commercial building will not exceed 30 feet in height and will not include more than 10 lodging units available for short-term rentals. Parking spaces for all lodging units will be included. 

The Jan. 3 city planning and zoning meeting is at 5:15 p.m. in the city hall chambers. Find the full agenda here. 

Pictures of the proposed building by Grand Marais-based architect Larry J. Boen of Osten Boen Designs are below:

Kalli Hawkins January 2, 2024