What to expect: Grand Marais City Hall/Liquor Store construction, operations, temporary liquor store

Kalli Hawkins | February 16, 2024

The Grand Marais City Hall liquor store will undergo significant changes in the coming months as the city prepares to begin construction on the new city hall/liquor store building, which is slated to start on Apr. 1.

WTIP spoke with Grand Marais Mayor Tracy Benson, City Communications Director Patrick Knight, and Municipal Liquor Store Manager Chris LaVigne to help residents and visitors understand what to expect during the construction process.

Construction of the new city hall/liquor store is expected to commence on Apr. 1 and finish on Dec. 18, 2024.

City Operations:

By Mar. 26, city staff will officially leave the building and begin working remotely.
Variance applications, conditional use permits, and other applications/forms are available to submit on the City of Grand Marais website.
City staff will arrange a meeting location if an in-person appointment is needed.
For questions or to schedule an in-person appointment, contact the city at 218-387-1848 or cityhall@grandmarais.city
The city will provide timely updates for the public throughout the entire construction process here: https://www.ci.grand-marais.mn.us/redevelopment

Meeting Locations

In late March, city council, planning commission, park board, and public utilities commission meetings will occur at the Cook County Courthouse in the Commissioner’s Room.
The Library Board meetings are held at the Grand Marais Library

Public Restrooms

The city is working with G & G Septic to explore temporary public restroom options, including a portable restroom trailer commonly used at festivals or large events during construction.

Liquor Store:

The Beaver House in downtown Grand Marais will be the temporary location of the municipal liquor store starting in mid-March
The City of Grand Marais is leasing the Beaver House from owner Tyson Cronberg from Mar. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024.
Per the lease, the city has the option to rent the space on a month-to-month basis following the expiration of the lease in case the construction timeline is delayed.
Due to space constraints, the municipal liquor store anticipates reduced inventory at the Beaver House. The city is exploring cooler and refrigeration options.

Listen to the entire interview below.

Concept plans from the new city hall/liquor store are below: