DULUTH – Spared the wrecking ball more than a decade ago, the historic St. Louis County Jail in downtown Duluth will soon be undergoing an unlikely transformation.
A 33-unit apartment complex is planned at the fortresslike structure tucked behind the county courthouse and could be housing folks by the end of next year.
"It's a challenging structure, and a challenging reuse overall, but we think it's a unique and exciting opportunity," said Jon Commers, one of the development partners. "We feel like we're very close to getting started."
At least four of the units will be set aside for those below median income, and Commers said more affordable units could be added depending on financing.
The Burnham Apartments project, estimated to cost $8 million to $9 million, will benefit from historic tax credits, a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society and $1.2 million in tax-increment financing.
The final piece of private funding should be in place by early September, Commers said, and construction will immediately follow.
"Most of the work is interior, so we'll be able to work through the winter," he said.
The trickiest part of creating an apartment complex out of the 98-year-old jail is removing the stacks of steel cells that are load-bearing in certain parts of the four-story building. That work will also be vital in creating a more welcoming atmosphere.
