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If you notice some building improvement work happening at the former taxidermy business site on main street in North Branch, it’s all part of the facade grants the city offers businesses in the core.  The program was begun with $75,000 and the structure at 6354 Main Street is the third project to have received some funding.

The location is newly-dubbed Acoustic Avenue, providing lessons in guitar, piano, voice and ukulele. Coming soon are sales of instruments and accessories.  See the website to sign-up for half hour in person lessons or virtual instruction.  Instruction starts at age six and up.

Chet Morgan told the North Branch Economic Development Authority he plans to use his grant to address foundation issues mainly affecting the east side of the building,  and related exterior work.

City Community Development Director Nate Sondrol said there is still money in the grant account after this $14,000 dispersement.  The funds were set aside for historic structures in downtown and the money is distributed after an application is reviewed and approved. No interest is collected over five years so the funding basically becomes a grant  when utilized appropriately. Among various conditions, the applicant needs to retain ownership of the property.

In other businesses: Development Director Sondrol said tasks continue behind the scenes to prepare for sale of 120 acres in the Interstate  Business Park to manufacturer Louisiana Pacific.  LP plans on bringing in a 200,000 square foot plant with over 100 jobs.  

The final purchase agreement hinges on tax incentive programs being aligned with the project,  site subdivision platting must be worked out (creating some smaller lots) the Fletcher Avenue extension is being designed for construction, extended sanitary sewer trunk needs to be installed and the building products corporation is working with the State of Minnesota on a $10 million assistance package.  Sondrol predicted a sale closing should be ready to proceed in early to mid-April.

The city council meanwhile, approved sale of the former city fire/ambulance garage, located on Forest Boulevard (with the mural on one wall.). Details on this sale should be forthcoming. The buyer is a commercial construction hardware (bolts, screws etc.) sales company.

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