7.1. SR 07-29-2002 - Laserfiche WebLink

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In 1951 a coal and oil burning plant was built by the Rural Co- operative Power Association to generate energy for northern and central Minnesota. Construction of a nuclear reactor began in 1958 and the first electricity was generated in 1963. The plant was decommissioned in 1968. Today the Great River Energy Corporation operates a refuse burning power plant at the site. Today gravel and concrete businesses are important Elk River industries. Large gravel pits are operating in sections 10, 15, and 16. Preservation Planning Summary: Commerce and Industry Inventoried Resources Previous inventories have not documented much of the industrial and commercial history of Elk River. The current Phase II study of the commercial district inventoried 23 commercial properties. There appear to be no standing structures associated with mills, but remnants of dams, foundations, and other structures reportedly remain at the edges of the Elk and Mississippi rivers. These remains are primarily submerged. The one remaining grain and feed elevator on Highway 10 is a significant feature of the early twentieth century transportation and agricultural history of the city. Recommendation(s) 1. Conduct an inventory of commercial properties north of Highway 10. Early millsites on the Elk and Mississippi rivers should also be documented. 2. Wherever possible, retain and rehabilitate Elk River's remaining historic commercial and industrial buildings. As a starting point, the Heritage Preservation Commission can recommend properties and districts eligible for local designation according to criteria in the Elk River Heritage Preservation Ordinance. Design guidelines can assist in reviewing proposals for alterations to designated properties, as well as new construction within historic districts. Rttral Co-operative Power Association at Elk River in 1960. Photo: MHS. Elk River Historic Contexts and Phase [l Downtown Commercial Area Study 36