New housing development proposed to Grand Marais city officials

Kalli Hawkins | June 6, 2022

A lack of housing, particularly affordable housing for residents of Grand Marais, has been extensively discussed and debated in recent years.

While the issue is at the forefront of the local Grand Marais community, the housing shortage or crisis is not isolated to Cook County. Communities across the nation are experiencing similar housing hardships.

Nevertheless, as work continues to address the local housing crunch, the Grand Marais Planning and Zoning Commission met June 1 to discuss a preliminary development plan that could play a role in bringing more housing to the community.

Local developer Chris Skildum presented a preliminary plat map of a housing development located on 15.24 acres on County Road 7. The proposed development is located within city limits and is less than a mile from Cook County North Shore Hospital.

Skildum purchased the property in 2021 under his company, Vesta Unchained, LLC.

During the June 1 meeting, surrounding property owners, surveyors, and other citizens packed the city hall seats. Individuals made public comments and shared their concerns and thoughts.

The planning and zoning commissioners approved the preliminary plat map. It now moves forward for approval from the city council members.

The issue will be added to the city council agenda later this month. WTIP will be following the story.

Audio from the June 1 meeting and a report from WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins is below.

Photos are from Skildum’s Mink Ranch development in Lutsen