On behalf of the Cook County Historical Society, Board Chair Gene Erickson made a formal request to the Cook County board on October 18, 2011 for up to $350,000 from 1 Percent Recreation and Infrastructure Tax revenue. The society would like to build a 1,152-square-foot addition to the historical society museum on Broadway in downtown Grand Marais. The proposed 24’x28’ addition would be on the east end of the building, leaving 40 feet between it and the breakwall on the beach.
“It would be a very big attraction, I think, for tourists,” Erickson said. The historical society board is 100 percent behind it, he said, and they represent numerous facets of the community.
The application for 1 percent funding states, “The Cook County Historical Society Museum is in need of more space and would like to build an addition to our existing building. Though an addition was added to the museum in 2005, the archival storage area is approaching its limit. And as our public programs grow in popularity, attendance is often larger than our space permits.
“We are looking to the county to help us create an attractive public facility to serve as a destination by Lake Superior for locals and visitors to share in the area’s history. As part of this space we are planning a comprehensive and interactive maritime heritage exhibit that will feature the Fresnel lens from the Grand Marais lighthouse.
“…Tourism is of great economic benefit to the county. The museum’s addition would greatly enhance the experience of those tourists who walk Grand Marais’ beautiful downtown. …Studies show that tourists who engage in the cultural heritage of a community are more likely to return.
“…The preservation of the county’s history is a priority, particularly with the rapid changes that continue to occur. As we carry out our mission to preserve and disseminate Cook County history, we acknowledge and honor those folks who came before and blazed the trail that we continue to walk today.
“…The creation of an inviting and welldesigned public area downtown would be an asset to the community.”
The up to $20 million plus the cost of bonding that can be collected through the 1 percent tax has been earmarked for seven other projects already. “This was not in the 1 percent referendum,” Commissioner Fritz Sobanja said.
“An $11 million community center wasn’t part of it, either,” Erickson replied.
“That’s your opinion,” said Sobanja, adding that the historical society could have spoken up before voters approved the new tax.
“I’m for this,” countered Commissioner Jan Hall, pointing out that the legislation authorizing the tax is vague enough to allow for projects other than those identified prior to the referendum. She said she believes the money should be used for multiple projects throughout the community.
Commissioner Sue Hakes said she respects what voters knew of the proposed projects when they approved the tax. Since they didn’t know what some of the already approved projects will cost, she said, she was not comfortable adding another project at this time.
“This is a good project,” Sobanja added. “I support the historical society. It could benefit the community.” People would not have voted in support of the tax if they didn’t know what the money would be used for, he said, however. He requested more information on the proposed project, including projected operating costs.
Commissioner Bruce Martinson said he wanted to wait until Board Chair Jim Johnson was present before deciding on the request. The board took no action.
Leave a Reply