I love the community-created charm of the mural on the exterior of the Cook County Whole Foods Co-op as much as I love the cozy simplicity of our little co-op. But, I think this debate about preserving the mural brings up a larger pressing concern for Grand Marais.
What do we want Grand Marais to feel and look like as we embrace growth and change?
Looking into the near future, there will be a number of substantial and defining multi-million dollar projects. The co-op and community center/YMCA are just two examples.
Will these building projects be designed by the industry, which tends to prefer a generic and modern look, or will they be influenced by the people and history of this north woods destination? There is a rich history of Grand Marais as a remote fishing village with a progressive atmosphere of arts and culture. It’s important that we realize and retain the charming, creative character that we and others love about our unique community.
Community input must be demanded, otherwise we will get a “big box” Whole Foods Co-op and a YMCA that looks like every other town.
Suburbia-like development is becoming the norm and it is a disease, but I believe Grand Marais has the antibiotic: an engaged, creative and progressive community involved in its future.
Regardless of what happens to the mural, I hope that the new Co-op and all future projects will honor and celebrate the spirit and character of Grand Marais, a place made of woods, rock and water and the hard work of committed people. A unique place created by human hands, not big business.
Elise Kyllo
Grand Marais
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