HomeMy WebLinkAbout02 10 2025 EDA Agenda Packet
Phone 952.447.9800 / www.priorlakemn.gov
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
PRIOR LAKE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
AGENDA
Monday, February 10, 2025 – 4:00 p.m.
Parkview Community Room
Reports included with this agenda can be found on the City of Prior Lake website at www.cityofpriorlake.com
Please follow this file path: Agendas & Minutes / Economic Development Authority / 2025 / February 10, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
A. January 13, 2025
4. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Monthly Development Update (1/31/25)
5. PRESENTATIONS
A. Cora Project Update with The Beard Group
6. OLD BUSINESS
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of ACC 2025-2029 Strategic Plan
i. Funding Request
B. ACC Sculpture Historic Date/Event Timeline Review
8. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Staff Updates
i. City Council Retreat / 2025 Priorities
B. Commissioner Comments
i. 2025 City Council EDA Appointments
9. ADJOURNMENT
PRIOR LAKE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
MEETING MINUTES
Monday, January 13, 2025 – 4:00 p.m.
Parkview Conference Room
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Prchal called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. In attendance were Prchal, Marco, Boucher-
Hoese and Braid. Absent Briggs. Also present were staff Liaison McCabe, and Deputy City Clerk /
Administrative Assistant Kooiman.
2. ELECTION IF OFFICERS
The 2025 EDA officers of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and Assistant Treasurer
were discussed and elected by the EDA Commissioners.
MOTION BY MARCO, SECONDED BY BRAID TO CONTINUE WITH THE 2024 ELECTED
OFFICERS KIM PRCHAL AS PRESIDENT, MARIE BOUCHER-HOESE AS VICE PRESIDENT,
CATHY ERICKSON AS TREASURER, JASON WEDEL AS SECRETARY, AND CASEY MCCABE
AS ASSISTANT TREASURER.
Ayes by Prchal, Marco, Boucher-Hoese, and Braid. The motion carried 4-0.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
MOTION BY BOUCHER-HOESE, SECONDED BY MARCO TO APPROVE THE AGENDA
Ayes by Prchal, Braid, Boucher-Hoese and Marco. The motion carried 4-0.
4. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES
MOTION BY MARCO, SECONDED BY BRAID TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 9, 2024,
MEETING MINUTES.
Ayes by Prchal, Boucher-Hoese Braid and Marco. Boucher-Hoese Abstained.
The motion carried 3-0-1.
5. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Year-End Development Update (12/31/2024)
McCabe: Reviewed the 2024 year-end residential and commercial development activity.
B. Year-End EDA Revenue & Expenditure Report (12/31/2024)
McCabe: Reviewed the 2024 year-end EDA revenues and expenditures.
MOTION BY BRAID, SECONDED BY BOUCHER-HOESE TO APPROVE THE CONSENT
AGENDA.
Ayes by Braid, Prchal, Boucher-Hoese and Marco. The motion carried 4-0.
6. REMOVED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
None.
7. PRESENTATIONS
None.
8. OLD BUSINESS
A. Downtown Redevelopment Assistance - Chula’s
McCabe Introduces the agenda item to consider approval of a resolution approving a business
subsidy agreement with Black Hills Properties, LLC related to the redevelopment of a property
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
at 4636 Colorado Street SE. McCabe summarized the costs where the developer is requesting
financial assistance as the proposed improvements related to removing a substandard building,
relocating public utilities, and expanding the public sidewalk provide benefits to both the
development and the public.
Commissioners: reviewed the draft business subsidy agreement in the form of a forgivable loan,
discussed the proposed improvements and supported EDA financial participation due to the
related public benefit. Commissioners suggested a revision to the resolution which would allow
for identified improvements to be reimbursed only after a building permit has been issued for the
new structure.
MOTION BY MARCO, SECONDED BY BOUCHER-HOESE APPROVING A BUSINESS
SUBSIDY AGREEMENT TO ASSIST WITH COSTS RELATED TO REDEVELOPMENT OF A
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4636 COLORADO STREET SE SUBJECT TO THE INCLUSION OF
ADDITIONAL LANGAGE THAT STATES, NO LOAN FUNDS SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED UNTIL
A BUILDING PERMIT HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
APPROXIMATE 9,500 SQUARE FOOT TWO-STORY MIXED USE COMMERCIAL BUILDING
ON THE PROJECT SITE.
Ayes by Braid, Prchal, Boucher-Hoese and Marco. The motion carried 4-0.
9. NEW BUSINESS
None
10. OTHER BUSINESS
A. Staff Updates
I. Orderly Annexation Area AUAR – EDA Professional Services Funding
McCabe provided an update on the work staff is doing to move forward an Alternative Urban
Areawide Review and infrastructure study in the orderly annexation area. Commissioners
discussed the additional $75,000 in the 2025 EDA Professional Services budget that is
intended to be used as matching funds to a Scott County CDA grant to assist with the cost of
the AUAR.
II. Cora Project Update with The Beard Ground at February Meeting
McCabe reminded the commissioners that representatives of the Beard Group will be in
attendance at the February meeting to provide an update on the Cora Apartment project
proposed for Dakota Street.
B. Commissioner Comments
None.
11. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY BRAID, SECOND BY MARCO TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.
Ayes by Braid, Prchal, Boucher-Hoese and Marco. The motion carried 4-0.
The meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m.
Submitted by Megan Kooiman
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 10, 2025
AGENDA #: 4A
PREPARED BY: Casey McCabe, Community Development Director
AGENDA ITEM:
Development Update
DISCUSSION:
Introduction
The purpose of this agenda item is to review the year to date residential and
commercial development update as of January 31, 2025.
History
EDA Commissioners requested an update of residential and commercial activity
at each meeting.
Conclusion
The attached memorandum provides a summary of the residential and commer-
cial development in the City of Prior Lake as of January 31, 2025.
ALTERNATIVES:
RECOMMENDED
MOTION
ATTACHMENT:
1. Motion and a second, under the consent agenda, to accept the development
update.
2. Remove this item from the consent agenda for additional discussion.
Alternative No. 1
1. Development Update
Phone 952.447.9800 / www.priorlakemn.gov
Memo
Date: February 10, 2025
To: City of Prior Lake Economic Development Authority
From: Casey McCabe, Community Development Director
Subject: Residential & Commercial Activity Update
Below is an update of the year to date residential and commercial development in the City of Prior Lake as of January 31, 2025.
Single Family Dwellings 2 $992,990.00 9 $3,666,760.00
Townhouses (# units)0 $0.00 0 $0.00
Multiple Units 0 $0.00 1 $28,733,056.00
New
Commercial Industrial & Commercial 0 $0.00 0 $0.00
Residential 35 $602,591.94 40 $1,043,715.00
Industrial & Commercial 3 $63,000.00 4 $317,748.00
tMechanical 71 $0.00 80 $0.00
ttMechanical (SF & TH)8 $0.00 36 $0.00
TOTALS 119 $1,658,581.94 170 $33,761,279.00 -95.09%
#DIV/0!
-42.26%
-80.17%
n/a
n/a
2025 Year to Date 2024 Year to Date
New
Residential
-11.25%
-77.78%
Number of Permits
% Increase / Decrease
Increase/Decrease
Declared Value
% Increase / Decrease
-72.92%
100.00%
-100.00%
t Mechanical permits include but are not limited to furnaces, water heaters, softeners, and fireplaces. They are flat-rate permit fees.
tt Mechanical (SF & TH) permits include required plumbing, heating, sewer and water and fireplace permits for new single family residences They are flat-rate permit fees
Additions and
Alterations
Number of
Permits Declared Value
-77.78%
100.00%
-100.00%
#DIV/0!
-12.50%
-25.00%
Number of
Permits Declared Value
-30.00%
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 10, 2025
AGENDA #: 5A
PREPARED BY: Casey McCabe, Community Development Director
AGENDA ITEM:
Cora Project Update – The Beard Group
DISCUSSION:
Introduction
Representatives of The Beard Group will be in attendance to discuss the status
of the proposed Cora mixed use apartment project on Dakota Street SE.
ALTERNATIVES:
Discussion Only.
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 10, 2025
AGENDA #: 7A
PREPARED BY: Casey McCabe, Community Development Director
AGENDA ITEM:
Approval of Arts and Culture Committee 2025-2029 Strategic Plan
DISCUSSION:
Introduction
The Arts and Culture Committee (ACC) has updated their five-year Strategic
Plan, which provides a framework for the planning and funding of future public
art installations throughout the community.
Current Circumstances
The purpose of the Strategic Plan is to identify specific projects to be completed
over the next five years. By approving the Strategic Plan, the EDA is supporting
the goals identified by the ACC and authorizing them to pursue the identified
projects.
The intent of the ACC is to evaluate and update this plan annually as projects
are completed and priorities change. The plan will help ensure funds are availa-
ble when projects are anticipated. The plan is an important tool to maintain and
provide consistent investment in public art in the community and is a critical el-
ement of responsible fiscal management.
Conclusion
The attached 2025-2029 Strategic Plan identifies short-, mid-, and long-term
ACC priorities along with anticipated funding needs and funding sources to im-
plement the projects. EDA members are encouraged to discuss any projects
they do not feel should be identified in the plan and propose ideas for other
priorities that may not be included.
The attached Strategic Plan does include a funding request for 2025 that will be
discussed during the February 10th meeting.
ALTERNATIVES:
RECOMMENDED
MOTION
ATTACHMENT:
1. Motion and a second to approve the Arts and Culture Committee 2025-2029
Strategic Plan.
2. Provide direction to staff and the ACC and defer action on this item to a future
meeting date.
Alternative No. 1
1. ACC 2025-2029 Strategic Plan
ARTS AND CULTURE COMMITTEE (ACC)
2025-2029 STRATEGIC PLAN
Adopted January 23, 2025
by the
PRIOR LAKE ARTS AND CULTURE COMMITTEE
Erin Belanger-Braid, Chair
Alejandra Pelinka, Vice Chair
Cassandra Bryant, Secretary
Jeanine Bigalk
Marie Boucher-Hoese
Patty Dronen
Crystal Dvorak
Allison Olson
Karin Logerquist
Adopted February 10, 2022
by the
PRIOR LAKE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Kim Prchal, Chair
Marie Boucher-Hoese, Vice Chair
Tim Marco
Kirt Briggs
Zach Braid
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 2 Public Art Criteria
Page 2 Public Art Procedures
Page 5 Short-Term (2025) Strategic Priorities
This section provides a brief description of individual projects, identifies
anticipated costs and funding sources for each project.
Page 7 Mid-Term (2026-2028) Strategic Priorities
This section provides a brief description of individual projects, identifies
anticipated costs and funding sources for each project.
Page 8 Long-Term (2029+) Strategic Priorities
This section provides a brief description of individual projects the ACC intends to
explore in the future.
2
Public Art Criteria
• Artwork should be focused in highly trafficked areas for public viewing with a concentration on
downtown plazas, city parks, community gathering spaces and municipal buildings.
• Promote public spaces by encouraging a sense of ownership and pride within the community.
• Enhance the physical and natural environment and encourage activity, relaxation, or
contemplation of nature through the process of creative thought.
• Exemplify the highest degree of social awareness, intellectual pursuit, ingenuity, and creative
ability the community has to offer.
• The artwork should be designed to promote longevity and be maintained within standard City, or
appropriate party, maintenance procedures and cycles.
Public Art Procedures
The following is a process for determining project sites and which projects should receive support from
the Arts and Culture Committee and/or EDA Budget. Project and site selection decisions are also
contingent upon available staffing and funding.
Project Selection
• Project brings with it a specific need or an area where artwork is desired. Requests may be made
by the private, public, or business community for artwork in specific locations on City property.
• Commemorative events or memorials may also initialize projects.
• Public Art pieces should be based on a standard set of guidelines including:
o Representation – Does the artwork represent a notion or idea valued by sectors of the
community?
o Historical – Does the artwork have historical value?
o Impact – Does the artwork have emotional, inspirational, or intellectual impact?
o Budgetary – The purchase price, transportation, installation, and maintenance of the
piece must be considered.
o Technicality – Is the design technically feasible?
o Creativity – Is the design visionary and creative?
o Quality – Is the work the highest quality?
Site Selection
• The appropriateness of the artwork to the site and the site to the artwork are basic
considerations. Site location shall be determined by its accessibility to the public.
• Proposed sites shall be presented to the Economic Development Authority after receiving
contributing opinions from directly related City Departments and their representatives.
Artist Selection
• Artists are selected with three (3) criteria in mind:
o Appropriateness: Artist(s) are selected based on the appropriateness of their
proposal to the project.
o Communication: The artist(s) must have the ability to clearly communicate concepts
both visually and through clearly written materials.
o Performance: Does the artist(s) have a good professional history of being able to work
cooperatively and finish projects on time?
3
Artist Selection Process
• Finding the right artist for a project is the highest priority. The standard artist selection
process is designed to ensure only the highest quality, skilled and appropriate professionals
are chosen and utilizes a six (6) step process:
o The goals of the project must be clearly defined.
o Calls to artists are placed on the City of Prior Lake website, local and regional media,
and social media accounts.
o Staff reviews initial submissions for completeness and provides the Arts and Culture
Committee with the most appropriate proposals for their review.
o The Arts and Culture Committee reviews and narrows down the selection.
o The finalists present a more developed proposal to the Arts and Culture Committee.
o The Arts and Culture Committee presents the final selection to the Economic
Development Authority for approval.
• There are several types of art and artist selection processes: Open competitions, limited
competitions, invitational, direct selection, mixed process, and direct purchase.
o Open competitions
Following public announcement of a project any artist or organization may submit
proposals, as indicated by the notification. The competition is a two (2) step process
in which initial proposals are submitted and narrowed, then followed by a second
request to submit a more developed proposal.
o Limited competitions
The limited competition is defined by certain parameters. For example, the guidelines
may define that the artist or organization must reside within a prescribed number of
miles of the City or work only in a specific medium.
o Invitational
One or more artists may be invited to submit proposals for a specific project.
o Direct selection
An artist or design team is selected directly for a Public Art project. This process is
enacted only during circumstances which deem other processes impractical such as
time constraints or very particular project requirements.
o Mixed selection
This is a two-fold process that combines any two of the previously mentioned
processes.
o Direct purchase
A completed piece of work is purchased for a specific site or project.
Permanent Collections
• Focus on local artisans.
• Artworks in a collection with a reputation for high standards and quality often reflect
positively on artists in the collection, local artists working in the community, as well as private
citizens in the community.
• The EDA and City Council shall approve all artworks proposed to be included in the permanent
collection.
• Acquisition may be made by purchase, gift, or donation.
4
o Purchase
▪ May be acquired because of an art in public space initiative derived from
public or private construction as well as Public Works projects.
▪ May require a signed contract between artist/fabricator, in agreement with
the City of Prior Lake.
▪ Typically, a direct purchase, but could also be via open and limited
competitions and invitations.
o Gift
▪ May be gifted by local, national, and international artists or friends and
families of artists who have impacted the community.
▪ A gift shall be accepted by the EDA and City Council.
o Donation
▪ Often a donation from outstanding citizens or an organization wanting to
share with the community the personal enjoyment a work of art has given
them.
5
Short-Term (2025) Strategic Priorities / Recurring
The Arts and Culture Committee has identified the following short-term priorities the committee intends
to pursue in 2025.
Sidewalk Stamping / Etching – The ACC plans to install a minimum of one downtown sidewalk etching in
2024. Quotes have been selected by a community vote and the ACC will identify a contractor to complete
the project in 2024. In addition, the ACC will evaluate acquiring a stamp or stamps representative of Prior
Lake that can be incorporated in future projects when new sidewalks are poured.
• Coordination between the ACC, EDA, City Council, Public Works, Potential Donors, Friends of the
Arts PL
(Jean, Ale, Crystal, Erin)
Prior Lake Community Artist Program – The ACC will draft an RFQ to identify a Community Artist to
complete and install a public art sculpture in the downtown area related to the history of Prior Lake.
• Coordination between the ACC, EDA, City Council, Friends of the Arts PL
(Ale, Cassy, Karin, Allison)
Promotion of Prior Lake Association Photo Contest Winners – In partnership with the Prior Lake
Association, work to enhance the annual photo contest through promotion and display of the winning
photographs. Potential revenue source for the Prior Lake Friends of the Arts Nonprofit.
• Coordination between the ACC, Prior Lake Association
(Jean, Patty, Marie, Crystal with assistance from Kathy Dawson and the PL Friends of the Arts
nonprofit)
Support Community Arts [ChalkFest, Pleasant St. Art Walk, Civic Groups, Music Events, Etc.] – The ACC will
support existing community art events, including the Pleasant Street Art Walk, to ensure their continued
success.
• Coordination between the ACC, EDA, City Council, Public Works/Recreation, Potential Donors
Supporting Community Arts
(Marie, Patty, Karin, Allison)
Incorporation of Arts Component in New Construction – ACC members will work with City staff to evaluate
options to encourage public art components in new multi-family and commercial construction projects.
• Coordination between the ACC, EDA, City Council, Community Development Staff, Developers
(Ale, Marie, Erin)
“Friends of Arts” type Non-Profit Formation – ACC members formalize the establishment of a non-profit
organization for the purpose of fundraising and soliciting donations for future public art projects
throughout the community.
• Coordination between the ACC, EDA, Non-Profit Organization
(Erin, Jean, Cassy, Allison, Karin)
6
The ACC has a cash balance of $13,753.54 as of 12/31/24. Of this amount, $5,000 has been allocated to
the 2024 Community Artist program, leaving a balance of $8,753.54. The ACC anticipated $4,624 of
available funds would be used for initial costs to get the Prior Lake Friends of the Arts nonprofit
established. The ACC did not receive a formal allocation of funding from the Prior Lake EDA in 2025;
however, the EDA expressed support for the ACC and indicated funding may be available for specific
projects upon request.
Below are the 2025 anticipated expenditures along with the source and use of the funds to accomplish
identified strategic priorities.
Strategic Priority Est. Cost ACC Fund City of
Prior Lake EDA
Other / Private
Donations 2025 Expenditure
Sidewalk Stamps (2) / Etching (1) $4,000 $2,600 $1,400 $4,000
Prior Lake Community Artist Program $15,000 $7,500 $7,500 $15,000
Promotion of Prior Lake Association Photo Contest Winners $2,500 $2,500 $2,500
Support Community Arts TBD $0
Incorporation of Arts Component in New Construction TBD $0
“Friends of Arts” type Non-Profit Formation $4,624 $4,624 $4,624
Total $26,124 $7,224 $7,500 $11,400 $26,124
Funding Source
7
Mid-Term (2026-2028) Strategic Priorities
Prior Lake Themed Benches – The ACC will continue its program to have Prior Lake themed benches
created and installed throughout the community. Benches will have a nautical or outdoor recreational
theme. It is assumed the benches will be privately funded by civic groups or through the city’s memorial
bench program.
• Coordination between the ACC, EDA, City Council, Public Works, Potential Donors, Friends of the
Arts PL
Educational Signage and Historical Markers (Sand Point and/or Watzl’s Beach/public boat launches) – The
ACC will work with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and the City of Prior Lake to encourage
educational displays around the community that provide historical information and the original Native
American names for local points of interest. It is anticipated the initial efforts in this area will focus on
Upper and Lower Prior Lake with educational displays at Watzl’s Beach and/or Sand Point Beach and/or
public boat launches.
• Coordination between the ACC, EDA, City Council, Public Works, SMSC or Other Donors
CH21 Wagon Bridge Mural – The ACC will utilize the community artist program to identify an artist or
artistes to complete a large-scale mural on and under the CH21 Wagon Bridge.
• Coordination between the ACC, EDA, City Council, Scott County, Potential Donors
Downtown Mural/Mosaic – Explore opportunities and locations for a mural, mosaic, or combination
mural/mosaic in downtown Prior Lake.
• Coordination between the ACC, EDA, City Council, Potential Donors
Historic Lake Tour – In partnership with the Prior Lake Association or other civic groups, create a database
of historic sites on Upper and Lower Prior Lake. This will potentially involve assistance from city staff or
an outside organization utilizing GIS and QR Codes so residents and visitors can learn more about history
while enjoying our lakes.
• Coordination between the ACC, EDA, City Council, Prior Lake Association, Kathy Dawson, Potential
Donors
Public Engagement Art Project – Identify an art project that involves a community engagement
component [e. g. paint by numbers mural].
• Coordination between the ACC, EDA, City Council, Potential Donors
Crosswalk Art – In partnership with the City, identify an artist to replace standard crosswalk striping with
a more decorative and eye-catching art piece.
• Coordination between the ACC, EDA, City Council, Public Works, Potential Donors
8
Long-Term (2029+) Strategic Priorities
In the year 2028 and going forward, the ACC will explore additional public art installments and events,
including, but not limited to:
Downtown Sculpture – Identify location and funding source for a prominent sculpture in downtown Prior
Lake. (Pending in 2025)
Cora McQuestion Days – Explore a community event to honor Prior Lake’s first female mayor (Cora
McQuestion Spirt of Prior Lake Award).
Lakefront Park Art – In partnership with the City, identify future art installment options and locations
within Lakefront Park.
Community Arts Center – Study the feasibility of a community arts center for Prior Lake.
Rotating Sculpture Walk – Establish a rotating sculpture walk program within the community.
Community Arts Festival – Explore a community event to promote art and culture in the community.
Percent for the Arts Program – Work with the City to identify a percentage of all public street and
infrastructure project costs to be used as funding to support future public art projects.
Downtown Raised Planters Art – Enhance the new downtown planter beds by incorporating art.
Round-A-Bout Art – A public art installation [sculpture, painting, or other] in one or more of the City round-
a-bouts.
4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 55372
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: February 10, 2025
AGENDA #: 7B
PREPARED BY: Casey McCabe, Community Development Director
AGENDA ITEM:
ACC Sculpture Historic Date/Event Timeline Review
DISCUSSION:
Introduction
The purpose of this item is to review and provide EDA feedback on a draft list of
historic dates and events to be included on a sculpture in downtown Prior Lake.
Current Circumstances
The Arts and Culture Committee (ACC) has been working with the 2024 Com-
munity Artist on a sculpture that will be placed in downtown Prior Lake. The de-
sign reflects the history of Prior Lake and also provides an opportunity to include
a timeline of community historic dates and events.
The ACC created a draft list of several dozen potential dates and then narrowed
their recommendations to the attached list. The ACC would appreciate EDA re-
view and comment on the proposed dates/events before finalizing the list and
working with the artist to incorporate them in the sculpture.
Conclusion
The EDA should review the list and provide comments related to whether they
agree with the proposed dates/events, whether any should be removed or addi-
tional items added. The ACC is limited to 14 to 16 total items to be included.
ALTERNATIVES:
RECOMMENDED
MOTION
ATTACHMENT:
1. Motion and a second to approve the Arts and Culture Committee proposed
timeline as presented, or as amended by the EDA.
2. Provide direction to staff and the ACC and defer action on this item to a future
meeting date.
Alternative No. 1
1. ACC Proposed Timeline
Proposed Timeline:
Below are the (almost final) dates/events selected by the ACC. 14 dates shown below were those
with the most support from the ACC.
Pre 1640
DAKOTA PEOPLE CALLED PRIOR LAKE MDE MAYA ṪO ("THE LAKE WITH THE BLUE BANKS")
YEAR?
FIRST TRAIN ARRIVES IN PRIOR LAKE
The ACC wanted to have something railroad related, but we cannot find exact dates. Thinking the
year the railroad was completed, or when the first train arrived would be nice.
1891
PRIOR LAKE INCORPORATED AS A VILLAGE
(other options are 1872: Prior Lake is Founded, or 1921: Prior Lake Incorporated as a City)
There were several comments about a desire to reference Charles Prior. We don’t believe we can
fit that many words on this item, maybe include Charles Prior on the train arrival date, or maybe
there is a need to add another specific timeline for Charles Prior.
1879
THE GRAINWOOD HOUSE OPENED
There was a lot of support for another resort reference, or perhaps removing the Grainwood
reference and replacing with a broader “19XX Prior Lake Had XX Resorts” type reference to identify
when the number of resorts was at its peak.
1900
POPULATION 148
1907
HIGHEST RECORDED WATER LEVEL: 907.6’
1926
CORA MCQUESTION ELECTED AS FIRST FEMALE MAYOR
1926
FIRST LIBRARY OPENED
1938
PRIOR LAKE LOWEST RECORDED WATER LEVEL: 883.6’
1949
DEDICATION OF MEMORIAL PARK
1969
SMSC RECEIVES FEDERAL INDIAN TRIBE RECOGNITION
1982
LITTLE SIX BINGO PALACE OPENS
This would be added if the SMSC supports its inclusion on the sculpture.
2000
POPULATION 15,917
ACC also discussed using the 2020 population (27,617) but seemed to support showing the
population at the century mark.
2010
LAKEFRONT MUSIC FEST ESTABLISHED
If there is room for additional dates/events, the ACC may include a reference to the Prior Lake
schools. Options are below.
1969
PRIOR LAKE HIGH SCHOOL OPENED
There is no real consensus on what school reference to include. Other options include 1869,
School District # 49 was formed and included Prior Lake; 1870, a log school was built; 1898,
College Hill School built for Grades 1–8; 1941, Westwood Grade School was built; 1952, Prior
Lake opened a school for Grades 1–12.