The Björkberg Grand Marais, LLC is about to receive the Grand Marais City Council’s green light to commence construction of the Björkberg townhouses. These unique two-story townhouses, each 1,100 square feet, will boast two bedrooms and two bathrooms, promising a comfortable and modern living experience.
The homes present a distinctive Scandinavian appearance. They were designed by architect Benjamin Olsen, who describes himself as “a broadminded designer working across architectural design, construction methodology, urban research, and public policy to create the next generation of attainable houses.” He is known for his work in Duluth on so-called In-Fill housing, which utilizes historically undersized building lots to create housing.
Björkberg is a partnership formed by Jon Petters and Steve Peterson. The lots they are developing are in an area of Grand Marais known by locals as Birch Mountain. The Scandinavian translation of which is Björkberg.
Petters (71) has a long career as a real estate broker and planned unit residential developer in Central Minnesota.
He and his wife, Colleen, have a Cook County history. They were married at the Cathedral of the Pines on Caribou Lake in Lutsen and owned a seasonal property in Lutsen for many years.
Petters acquired the property more than a year ago. Aware of the chronic need for housing for local people, Petters worked with Jason Hale, director of the Cook County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), to develop a plan for the vacant land.
The experienced developer found the project quite challenging. “Never has my brain worked so hard as it has the last year,” he said.
The developers wanted to build something that met the community’s needs for expanded homeownership opportunities.
“Owning is different from renting,” Petter said. “Magic happens when you own.”
One condition placed on Björkberg is that buyers must be employed and living in Cook County.
At least one-quarter of the homes are to be sold to buyers who are economically challenged and whose income is below a certain threshold. Petters has arranged financial support for buyers through the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (mnhousing.gov).
“Jason has been a great help,” Petters said. In addition to support for buyers, the project has received grants totaling $400,000 from the HRA and the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRR) for infrastructure work.
Björkberg will do all the water and sewer work on the property to connect to city services.
Optional amenities include Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). These are detached, 400-square-foot buildings on 200 square feet of ground. Carports will also be available.
One of the city covenants is that 50% of the property be kept as open space for residents to enjoy. They also plan to retain as many of the trees as possible.
Buyers agree not to place any of the structures in short-term rental programs.
Local contractor Max Wahlers and his company, Max Construction, are excited about being the builders for Björkberg.
Petters received a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN, in 1975. He received a Master of Business Administration degree at St. Cloud State University in 1985.
His concierge real estate services business is Collegeville Brokerage in Avon, MN. On LinkedIn, Petters describes himself as a purpose-driven developer.
“For me, Björkberg is about passion over profit,” Petters said. “It’s about getting housing for the amazing people who live and work up there.”
