Installation of Crosby Bakery building revives vacant downtown space in Grand Marais

After two decades, a vacant lot in Grand Marais will be home to a new small business.

Hana Crosby purchased the vacant lot at 16 W Wisconsin St, between Sivertson Gallery and Blue Water Cafe, in 2021, hoping to someday expand her business from the 250-square foot kitchen inside the historic Lutheran church building on 1st Ave W.

That dream became a reality in the final weeks of 2023 with the arrival of six modular building components from Ideal Homes, based in Barnum, Minn.

“I am excited. It’s a little surreal,” Crosby said. The bakery will include a walk-in storefront with seating for up to 40 people inside and space for an outdoor patio, Crosby said. The baked item selection will include bread, baked goods, croissants, personalized cakes, and more. “We want to add some sandwiches and things, but we’ll see how it goes.”

“So, for a long time, this has been a vacant site,” she said. The vacant lot was once home to a movie theater, but the building was eventually torn down in the early 2000s.

As Crosby looked toward the future, she said, “We’re hoping it’s going to fill a big hole in Grand Marais. The whole place is designed to grow and change with what Grand Marais needs over time.” The construction crews will continue to work on Friday to complete the remaining construction tasks and prepare the exterior of the building for winter.

Video & audio of the Crosby Bakery building installation process is below.

WTIP Staff December 22, 2023