Silver Rapids Lodge will move forward with a reimagined expansion plan after the Lake County Planning Commission approved the project’s conditional use permit.
The decision came at a public hearing held in Two Harbors on Monday evening.
The project will now require various permits from the MPCA, DNR, Lake County and more to bring the new development to life, ranging from stormwater management to land use approval.
Developers propose 44 new fractional share cabins and the construction of a new main lodge with a bar and restaurant. Seven existing cabins and the motel will be remodeled.
The downscaled proposal reduced the number of units and docks from 2024’s plan and additionally dropped the tiki bar.
“As far as a tourism-related package in Lake County, I don’t think there’s ever been anything to the scope of this,” said Lake County Planning Commission chair Michael Hoops.
Area residents presented a mix of support and concerns to the commission.
“For the good of Fall Lake Township, (I hope) we vote to move forward with this project,” said adjacent property owner Ed Seliskar. “We have lost more than we should have in the past.”
Seliskar told listeners about the post-Wilderness Act buyouts of the mid-twentieth century, which he said resulted in dozens of resort- style businesses closing in Fall Lake Township.
James Devine of Morse Township advocated for greater safety measures for pedestrians.
Lake County Planning and Zoning staff are aware of the bridge’s important role as an access point to the White Iron Chain of Lakes. The staff report states the removal of the RV sites from the project plan will ameliorate traffic difficulties.
Staff recommend speeds below 30 miles per hour. A stripe crossing may be implemented.
Some comments received during the recent 30-day comment period expressed concern about noise disruptions, but co-owner Sandy Hoff said Silver Rapids does not expect large boats, as even a previous pontoon rental program was underused by guests.
Instead, the resort plans to promote canoeing and kayaking. Existing state and county regulations will apply to noise levels and light pollution.
“I believe that if the ordinance is followed and the plan that has been presented to us is followed, not only will there not be problems, but the quality of the area will be enhanced,” Hoops said.
Project officials do not anticipate any clientele shifts. The plan, said Hoff, will modernize the resort for existing guests, who are largely there to enjoy the wilderness and take in the Boundary Waters experience.
Snowmobile and ATV traffic will also be welcomed, as these patrons may frequent the bar and restaurant.
Plans are also in arrangement for revegetation along the White Iron shoreline and the installation of a sand beach. An aquatic invasive species cleaning station for boats will also be placed.
Two underground fuel storage tanks will be removed to remediate minimal existing contamination found in 2021.
Cabin lots are platted larger than the proposed buildings, which project officials say will allow the resort to maintain greater tree coverage and keep old pines.
Planning and zoning staff recommend a Phase One archaeological survey, as discussed at a previous meeting.
Hoops made a motion to accept Silver Rapids’ application as briefed, with the addition of 25 conditions.
The resort must submit impervious surface calculations before applying for land use permits, along with a parking lot plan demonstrating compliance with county ordinances. Prior to construction, a vegetation management plan must be submitted outlining clearing plans and scale.
Mooring sites must not exceed 33.
The legal conversion of Silver Rapids Resort to a commercial planned unit development also received board approval.
“It’s been operating as a resort longer than anyone in this room has been around,” said developer Jamie Tatge. “We want to rebuild this so it can continue for the next 100-plus years.”
