Grand Rapids, MN – Lake Country Power representatives gathered today for a special groundbreaking ceremony at the construction site of its future new headquarters in Cohasset, Minn.

Officials from Lake Country Power, Hawk Construction, Architectural Resources, Inc., and the City of Cohasset, were present with shovels in hand, hard hats and comments for the nearly 60 individuals in attendance. Other local officials were also present. 

“This is a long-term investment that will serve Lake Country Power members and employees for the next 50 years or more,” said Greg Randa, general manager for Lake Country Power. “It’s also a positive change for the co-op’s future as the new building will replace a timeworn and over-crowded service center in Grand Rapids.

“Since late 2016, the building committee and board has collaborated closely with architects to design a service center that will meet present and future needs.”

Randa added that the facility will provide adequate space for the co-op’s fleet and equipment to be under cover and protected, which will be a vast improvement in the near-term and for the long-term. The new location is also expected to provide a safer access for employees and members as they enter onto U.S. Highway 2. 

A building committee, comprised of several LCP directors and members of the co-op’s senior staff, made the decision to award the bid to Hawk Construction after reviewing five competitive proposals. Hawk Construction, a Grand Rapids area union general contractor, provided the lowest bid at $11.2 million for the 68,000-square-foot facility.

Architectural Resources, Inc., from Hibbing, is leading the architectural and engineering of the project with a forward-thinking building design. Randa said ARI provided Lake Country Power a strong framework for a competitive bidding process and practicality.