IRRR approves $1.7 million for Cook County housing and infrastructure projects
Five Cook County housing and infrastructure projects will receive $1.7 million from the Minnesota Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR).
On Tuesday, Mar. 26, the IRRR Board met to review and approve $9.5 million in economic development funding for various northern Minnesota projects.
$1.7 million of the $9.5 million was requested and approved for five Cook County projects through the Cook County Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the Cook County Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA).
Development Infrastructure Grants:
Mayhew Commercial Project: $400,000
To construct infrastructure and site work for the development of a 10,000-square-foot mixed-use commercial space in Grand Marais that will replace three businesses lost to a fire in 2020. The “Mayhew Commercial Project” will feature an event center, lodging units, a restaurant, retail spaces, a lounge, and rooftop open space.
Papa Charlie’s: $400,000
To construct infrastructure and site work for the development of a 9,300-square-foot mixed-use commercial space that will replace Papa Charlie’s restaurant and event venue at Lutsen Mountains, which was lost to a fire last year. The new building will include a restaurant, event center, bar/lounge, and four lodging units for resort guests.
Housing Grants:
Bjorkberg: $225,000
To construct infrastructure for a new housing development of 20 two-story workforce townhomes in Grand Marais.
Temperance Trails: $100,000
To construct infrastructure for a new housing development of up to 22 homes in Tofte. Ten are proposed as single-family homes, and 12 will be side-by-side townhomes.
The Heights: $630,000
To construct a new three-story, 36-unit workforce apartment building in Grand Marais.
The IRRR Board unanimously approved all of the Cook County infrastructure and housing projects. IRRR is funded through taxes paid by Minnesota’s mining industry.
WTIP spoke with Theresa Bajda, the executive director of the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority, on Mar. 27 about the approved grants. Audio from the interview is below.
Kalli Hawkins March 26, 2024
