Hennepin County joins effort to revive Fort Snelling's Upper Post

Updated: July 14, 2012 - 5:49 PM

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Fort Snelling’s Upper Post barracks row.

Photo: Bruce Bisping, Star Tribune

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The Hennepin County Board has joined a joint powers agreement with other government agencies designed to revive Fort Snelling's long abandoned Upper Post area.

The agreement, which the board approved in committee Tuesday, would set up an interim structure to preserve the post and explore redevelopment of its 45 yellow-brick, century-old structures, many in need of stabilizing.

The property is owned by the state Department of Natural Resources but sits on unincorporated county land.

Under the agreement, the DNR would be the lead agency and provide staffing, and Hennepin County would offer development expertise. Other parties include the Minneapolis Park Board, National Park Service, Minnesota Historical Society and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

A county master plan issued last year estimated it would cost $112 million to redevelop the post's buildings into offices, shops and housing. Interest in the post is fueled by its historic nature and its proximity to light rail and the airport.