Fall 2021 Hometown Messenger

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Schroeder House project gets green light from Council "House that built Shakopee" to receive facelift In 2019, the city purchased several properties along the Minnesota River, including the historic Schroeder house, to restore and

DEVELOPMENT NEWS 57 new homes coming to Windermere At its July 20 meeting, the City Council approved the final plat of the Windermere South Fifth Addition. D.R. Horton Inc. submitted a plat for a property that covers roughly 39 acres north of CSAH 78 and west of Zumbro Avenue. The applicant proposed a final plat that would consist of 57 single family homes. Construction on the homes is set to begin in December. Council approves 71 new homes At its July 20 meeting, City Council approved the final plat of the Valley Crest First Addition. The 56.2-acre property is located on the west side of Mystic Lake Drive between Valley View Road and 17th Avenue East. M/I Homes will begin construction of 71 lots on the property. Council previously approved a preliminary plat and Planned Unit Development of the site on April 20. The first phase of construction will consist of 14 villa style homes, 23 carriage lots, 34 single-family lots and outlot areas for open space. Grading on the site is ongoing. City to purchase former Scott CountyWorkforce Center In July, City Council, acting as the Economic Development Authority, agreed to the purchase of the former Scott County Workforce Center. The County Board agreed, in concept, to sell the building. The existing users of the property are in the process of moving out and current users will receive a portion of the sale proceeds to assist in relocation and acquisition costs. When the purchase is completed, the city can demolish the building and sell it to a developer, and the development will return it to the tax rolls.

preserve the important Shakopee landmark. Located on Bluff Avenue, the brick house was once home to Herman Schroeder, the founder of Schroeder Brick and Lime Manufacturing. The company, which operated from the 1870s until 1941, is locally famous for its production of the distinctive red “Shakopee” labeled bricks. Built around 1880, the Schroeder House holds significant cultural and historic value in Shakopee.

An early photo of the Schroder House in the 1890s. Photo credit Michael C. Huber

“This is the site that actually built Shakopee,” said Planning and Development Director Michael Kerski. “Shakopee brick was used throughout the community. This house served as the showcase for all the different types of bricks and details that could be purchased.” The site also includes the livery building and workshop, completed around the same time as the main house. The remains of a limestone kiln sit on the northwest edge of the property, which workers used to craft the bricks for over 65 years. Council approved the removal of two homes on the site, which will be completed by August. Once removed, work will begin on converting the space to an event and education center. “The plans are to create a two-room space at the Schroeder House that will also have access to a kitchen area and restrooms,” said Kerski. “The Livery Building would also have two restrooms and another rentable space that could be used at the same time as the main house or as a separate space.” The site would be suitable for gatherings, including weddings, reunions or corporate events. Educational plaques and classroom sized meeting rooms will also make the site perfect for field trips for local students. While the city would maintain ownership of the property, a private operator would be hired to maintain the facilities. Funding for the project is ongoing, and the city has applied for a $140,000 Capital State Grant. “It’s a sizeable project,” said Joy Sutton, the city’s Grants and Special Projects Coordinator. “We’re also undergoing the National Register of Historic Places process. The site is eligible, which could open it up for future funding.” The project is in its infancy and will take several years to complete. Upon its completion, the city will be able to protect and share an important historical landmark with residents. “The city believes restoring the house and workshop will draw the public to the facilities,” said Joy Sutton. “We’re certain the Schroeder House will be used and benefit the public while preserving a part of Shakopee’s history.”

Fall 2021 7