The Crookston Housing and Economic Development Authority met Wednesday, October 2, at the Valley Technology Park and learned they were awarded a Redevelopment Grant from DEED (Department of Employment and Economic Development) for $1.5 million for the redevelopment of the Red River Valley Winter Shows building,
The Crookston Housing and EDA, along with the City of Crookston and The Red River Valley Winter Shows Board, are excited to move forward with this development and have remained very thoughtful in the process, says Karie Kirschbaum, Community Development Director. “The Red River Valley Winter Shows Board has been very thoughtful about the process and carrying on their mission, their purpose and intent,” says Krischbaum. “It’s been a real pleasure to work with Curtis Zoller over there on this.”
The next step in the process will be going back to Crookston City Council. “We will be putting it before Council for them to approve, to receive the money, and also we will look at matching the funds to begin that project over there,” says Kirschbaum.
The City Council is now tasked with approving the acceptance of the grant and also the next actions. We will have more on the development as it becomes available. More information will be available after the next City Council meeting.
As previously reported, the City of Crookston intends to purchase the 11.94 acres of land for future economic development. In preparation for this purchase, the City approved rezoning the property from an R-C to a C-3 Commercial Shopping District. This allows for stores, offices, professionals, and more to better utilize the property.
The City of Crookston intends to abate the buildings of asbestos, demolish the overall structure, and build infrastructure, including sewer, storm water systems, water, and a paved road with curb and gutter and possibly gravel base roads. The City of Crookston then desires to develop a portion of the property, sell it to a future commercial business interest, and retain a portion for further development.
