After-fire planning continues for Grand Marais businesses

WTIP Community Radio shared the devastating story of the fire in downtown Grand Marais on April 13, 2020.  Since the fire, the owners of the three businesses that lost their buildings, have been trying to determine what to do next. The Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority has been working with the business and building owners to look at possibilities for the now-vacant lots on Wisconsin Street. 
 

Recently, the EDA announced that it was seeking an individual or company that could work with the different businesses involved. Not on sale of the lots, but to help bring together the various ideas that have been brought forward since the fire. 
 

It is a challenging effort, involving the businesses lost to fire--Picnic and Pine, The Crooked Spoon Cafe and White Pine North, and many other stakeholders. 
 

The group, with EDA President Howard Hedstrom facilitating, has had some interesting discussion. There are still a lot of unknowns for the property and business owners, but Hedstrom stressed that at this time, none of the lots in question are for sale.
 

To hear from EDA's Hedstrom about the search for a potential development partner visit that interview on the WTIP website: EDA working with businesses lost to fire on redevelopment plan
 

WTIP Community Radio also reached out to some of the business owners to learn more. Hear from Sara Hingos, co-owner with her husband, Nathan Hingos, of Crooked Spoon Cafe in this interview: Business owner impacted by Grand Marais fire shares update on plans moving forward
 

WTIP's Rhonda Silence also spoke with Tyler Dean, who co-owns White Pine North with his wife, Jessica Dean. Asked what they wanted to say to the community, Tyler said, "We want to say a big thank you to this fantastic community, to Jim and Jackie Larsen and also to their faithful customers who have continually rallied around them and encouraged us  in the rebuilding process."
 

As with the other business owners, Tyler tells WTIP there are many details to be worked out. We learn what's in the works in this interview.