The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) recently announced the allocation of $4.7 million through its Redevelopment Grant Program to support eight revitalization projects statewide, including a significant undertaking in Northfield that promises to transform a long-dormant property into a bustling economic contributor. Since its inception in 1998, the Redevelopment Grant Program has successfully facilitated over $87.6 million in grants aimed at rejuvenating blighted properties, thus bolstering local economies through business development and job creation. DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek emphasized how the program has proved its effectiveness over the years, converting once unusable land into thriving commercial and residential zones, thereby stimulating local economic activity and fostering workforce development.
In Northfield, the focus of the redevelopment effort is the former Northfield News building, now owned by local business Loon Liquors. The project has been awarded a state grant of $29,795 specifically for the removal of asbestos from the old building—a necessary step before any substantial renovation can begin. This redevelopment endeavor is expected to create five new jobs and retain nine existing ones, while also augmenting the city’s tax revenue by $18,200 annually. In addition to the state grant, the City of Northfield has committed to providing matching funds, ensuring the project has the financial backing it needs to succeed.
Loon Liquors’ Vision for Downtown Northfield
Loon Liquors, co-owned by Simeon Rossi and Mark Schiller, has long harbored ambitions to relocate their distillery to downtown Northfield and develop what they envision as a “destination distillery.” Their initial plans to purchase the downtown postal office fell through, but the acquisition of the Northfield News building presented a golden opportunity. This new location aligns well with their business goals and is anticipated to significantly uplift Northfield’s commercial landscape. Rossi and Schiller’s vision involves not just a functional distillery but a vibrant community space that draws both locals and visitors, effectively contributing to the area’s social and economic fabric.
The move to the new location will allow Loon Liquors to expand their operations and attract a larger customer base. The redevelopment project includes plans for a tasting room, retail space, and areas dedicated to hosting events—features that they were unable to accommodate in their previous location. By creating a multifaceted establishment that offers more than just spirits, Loon Liquors intends to become a cornerstone in Northfield’s business community. This expansion is in line with the company’s broader mission to integrate exceptional product quality with meaningful community engagement, thereby enhancing the overall appeal of the downtown area.
Collaborative Efforts and Broader Implications
The Northfield redevelopment project underscores the broader trend of leveraging state resources to foster local economic rejuvenation. The involvement of DEED through its grant program, coupled with financial support from the City of Northfield, exemplifies a collaborative approach aimed at converting derelict properties into productive economic assets. These efforts spotlight the effective utilization of public funds to stimulate private investment, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. As a model, it offers other towns and cities a blueprint for how to effectively pair innovative business initiatives with municipal support mechanisms to achieve sustainable growth.
Moreover, this redevelopment project is part of a more extensive effort by the state to revitalize urban and commercial areas that have fallen into disuse. Through the Redevelopment Grant Program and similar initiatives, DEED has consistently demonstrated the significant positive impact of state-funded grants on community development. These programs not only address immediate issues such as unemployment and economic stagnation but also lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity by fostering business growth, increasing property values, and improving the overall quality of life in revitalized areas.
Future Prospects and Community Impact
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has announced $4.7 million in grants through its Redevelopment Grant Program to support eight revitalization projects across the state, including a major endeavor in Northfield. This project aims to turn a long-unused property into a vibrant economic contributor. Since its start in 1998, the program has awarded over $87.6 million in grants to rejuvenate blighted properties, boosting local economies through business growth and job creation. DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek noted the program’s success in transforming unusable land into thriving commercial and residential areas, thereby enhancing local economies and workforce development.
In Northfield, the key project focuses on the former Northfield News building, now owned by Loon Liquors. The state has awarded a $29,795 grant for asbestos removal from the old building, a critical step before renovation. This effort is expected to create five new jobs, retain nine existing ones, and increase the city’s tax revenue by $18,200 annually. The City of Northfield has also pledged matching funds, ensuring the project has the financial support needed for success.
