EDA reviews two redevelopment visions for Taconite Harbor site on Cook County’s west end
Two visions for the potential future of the Taconite Harbor site on Cook County’s west end were presented on Tuesday to the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority.
The presentation was the culmination of a six-month process that included the creation of a 15-member advisory committee, monthly meetings, and extensive information gathering focused on the future of the Taconite Harbor site.
The Taconite Harbor site is a 172-acre property in Schroeder that was once home to a coal-fired power plant. The plant ceased operations in 2016, and decommissioning activities began in 2023.
In September 2024, the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority received a $200,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development to develop a strategic plan for the site’s future transition and redevelopment.
To lead that effort, the EDA hired Stantec Consulting Services, a global engineering, architecture and consulting firm, in May 2025. Since then, Stantec has worked with the EDA, local stakeholders and the Taconite Harbor Advisory Committee to guide the planning process and develop redevelopment concepts for the site.
Although potential redevelopment plans have now been formulated, the property has not changed hands.
Minnesota Power continues to own the former power plant site, while the adjacent land remains owned by Cleveland-Cliffs. According to Stantec representatives, Minnesota Power has remained actively engaged throughout the visioning process, participating in monthly meetings and discussions with the advisory committee.
Cleveland Cliffs, which retains the zoning and permits for its property and the harbor’s rights and responsibilities, chose not to participate in the process.
“We don’t have any plans for the property right now. We’re just open to this process,” said Kurt Anderson, director of environmental and land management at Minnesota Power. “We’re looking to see what might come out of it, and if something did materialize that would require some sort of contract or lease or purchase option.”
Anderson said any material information would then be reviewed by Minnesota Power and discussed regarding any “other uses the property might have for us.”
Taconite Harbor Plant in 2025 | Photo by Kalli Hawkins
Lauren Walburg from Stantec, who presented to the EDA, said that from the beginning of the process with the advisory committee, it was reiterated that, “Nothing is going to happen on this land without further discussions with Minnesota Power.” The intent was to gather information and public input, formulate a plan, present that to the EDA, Minnesota Power, and other stakeholders, and explore future options.
Anderson said that to date Minnesota Power has explored alternative energy options for the site to align with the state’s “ambitious” carbon policy goals, and while Minnesota Power has been working towards that goal, he said the Taconite Harbor site has the potential to host things like battery storage, or similar related initiatives.
“There’s nothing in the works right now for this site for those types of projects,” Anderson said.
One of the visions presented this week focused on light industrial development, while the other outlined options to transition to mixed-use development.
Taconite Harbor Advisory Committee member Amy Brugge presented Vision A and described it as “creative industrial and business.” The plan includes marina amenities and light industrial port operations, a variety of commercial spaces, and housing.
“This parcel, as currently zoned, is one of the few properties that has industrial zoning in our county,” said Brugge. “And at this point, it would be remediated to an industrial zoning level.” A portion of the parcel is currently zoned for residential use, and that area would be the potential site for workforce housing.
“The advantages of this particular vision are that it is probably a more near-to-mid-term vision in that you could go after those different developments segmentally without having to necessarily go through the same zoning changes,” Brugge said.
Taconite Harbor Vision A
Graphic by Stantec
Terry Hartman, a Taconite Harbor Advisory Committee member, presented Vision B and described the plan as a mixed-use development that leverages the site’s natural assets, such as Lake Superior, walking and biking trails, and other recreation opportunities, for commercial and residential purposes.
The five major components of the plan include retail and mixed-use, housing, event venues, a resort, marina, outdoor recreation, and green space.
Taconite Harbor Vision B
Graphic by Stantec
“These vision scenarios are very general,” Walburg said. “It is not possible for us to do a full implementation roadmap of every specific step that you need to take to make either of these visions come to fruition until we have a more specific plan and a more specific design.”
Stantec representatives said that, depending on whether the project moves forward and which vision is selected, the process would include environmental reviews, securing funding sources, and participation from local government, Schroeder Township, and Minnesota Power, among other stakeholders.
Regarding next steps, Walburg said Stantec recommends identifying a “site champion” to lead the initiative and keep conversations and the project moving forward.
She said the EDA would be the recommended agency to serve in that role.
EDA Board Member Mark Shackleton asked about the EDA allocating resources, money, and time to the next steps, given the possibility that, down the road, Minnesota Power decides to use the property differently or chooses to sell it to another party.
Anderson said Minnesota Power has no current plans for the site and remains open to all ideas, adding that the company is “just waiting to see how this process plays out.”
View the June 16 EDA meeting, which included the presentation from Stantec and Taconite Harbor Advisory Committee members here.
Listen to a WTIP interview with Lauren Walburg from Stantec prior to the EDA meeting below.
Kalli Hawkins June 19, 2026
