Historic Preservation and Economic Development
I'm a preservationist and it's rubbed off on my daughter, Sarina Otaibi, who has a master's degree in historic preservation. We are both on the board of the Granite Falls Historical Society and on the board of the Bluenose Gopher Brewery. Member/owners of the cooperative began demolition of the interior this weekend, uncovering original tin walls. Very exciting news for preservationists and our members who want an original, old fashioned interior!
I'm a preservationist and it's rubbed off on my daughter, Sarina Otaibi, who has a master's degree in historic preservation. We are both on the board of the Granite Falls Historical Society and on the board of the Bluenose Gopher Brewery. Member/owners of the cooperative began demolition of the interior this weekend, uncovering original tin walls. Very exciting news for preservationists and our members who want an original, old fashioned interior!
When I see articles about "charming downtowns" it always involves historic buildings, at least on the exterior. The brewery building at 681 Prentice is one of the oldest in Granite Falls and if you look up you can see the original stone exterior and Victorian trim on the top. The abstract shows that it was owned from 1906 to 1919 by Jacob Schmidt Brewery. It was sold when prohibition started.
Here's an old picture of Prentice Street including this building, fourth one down on the left. One of the brewery's long term goals is to completely restore the front with the long windows.
Here's an old picture of Prentice Street including this building, fourth one down on the left. One of the brewery's long term goals is to completely restore the front with the long windows.
This is the building currently showing the original stone above the awning. Plans are to paint the top trim in more than one color to bring out the details.
photo by Alika Faythe Hartmann
If more of our downtown buildings were restored to the original or close to original exterior, it would create a more welcoming look for visitors and prospective business owners. We have the Granite Falls Bank, F and M Insurance, the K.K. Berge Building, old Granite Theater building which are either restored or still have the original look. Many of our buildings have the original exterior on the upper floors. I'd love to see the entire downtown have the look of the old photo of Prentice Street. I believe that historic preservation is an engine of retail economic development and Granite Falls has a great opportunity to use it!
If more of our downtown buildings were restored to the original or close to original exterior, it would create a more welcoming look for visitors and prospective business owners. We have the Granite Falls Bank, F and M Insurance, the K.K. Berge Building, old Granite Theater building which are either restored or still have the original look. Many of our buildings have the original exterior on the upper floors. I'd love to see the entire downtown have the look of the old photo of Prentice Street. I believe that historic preservation is an engine of retail economic development and Granite Falls has a great opportunity to use it!
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