What began as a daunting project three years ago has recently produced successful results. In 2009 the armory in Park Rapids, MN was unusable and considered a threat to the environmental health of the city and its inhabitants. Today it acts as a model for energy efficient technologies and responsible community development.
People in the City of Park Rapids, MN were determined to revitalize an important historic building. The redevelopment of the 70-year-old armory in Park Rapids was a collaborative effort between the City of Park Rapids Economic Development Authority, The Hubbard County Regional Economic Development Commission, and a local developer, Echopoint Design and Development.
One of the first steps was to secure funding for a feasibility study, which was granted by the Central Clean Energy Resource Team (CERT). Alan Zemek, the armory project manager, stressed the importance of this assessment: “a comprehensive study that integrates all of the methods that are available for generation of renewal energy on site, as well as energy management systems into an actionable plan, will help the redevelopment process.”
Just years ago, the old armory was a dilapidated structure, posing major threats to both human and environmental health including abandoned storage tanks, asbestos, layers of lead paint and PCBs. The first phase of the project included cleanup of these hazards, as well as the following undertakings: the installation of a storm water abatement system, advancing energy efficiency, and improving building accessibility. The building, which has recently been coined “Armory Square,” will now serve as retail, office, and event space, restoring a key historic landmark for public use once again.
