Besides being one of the few historic structures remaining along St. Paul's riverfront, it is one of the most prominent industrial relics in the city.
Planners hope to incorporate the long-vacant structure into the Upper Landing urban village, a project in which site preparation is underway by the Centex Corp. and other developers that would built nearly 600 units of housing. Across the river from the structure -- owned by the St. Paul Housing and Redevelopment Authority -- is a new Harriet Island Regional Park.
The design competition, sponsored by the St. Paul Riverfront Corp., will seek ideas for reusing the house and a small adjoining building known as the Sack House.
Some possibilities might include an interpretive center, or a store, condominiums or even a restaurant, according to Patrick Seeb of the Riverfront Corp.
Preservationists say the buildings opened in 1931 and have ties to a farmers' movement that goes back nearly a century ago. The Equity Cooperative Exchange, merged into what is now CHS Cooperatives, was formed by farmers in 1908, and eventually built the elevator on the river.
Critics insist the structures are eyesores, and the competition does not guarantee they will be saved. Ifa feasible new use is not found, the structures will likely be torn down.
The winning entries in the competition -- four $5,000 prizes will be awarded -- will be announced May 13.
After that, it will be up to the city to see which, if any, of the proposals can be turned into reality.
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