The 400-acre study area is in Hermantown’s southwestern corner, on rural forested land that holds a Minnesota Power substation and some homes. The “light industrial” development to be evaluated would include multiple buildings on 210 acres in the eastern portion of the area. The document says tree clearing could begin later this year.
Hermantown leaders recently changed the area’s future land use in its comprehensive plan to business and light manufacturing. They also rezoned Minnesota Power’s land to allow communication services, including housing for data storage.
“We’re anticipating what’s coming down the line,” Ronchetti said. “There’s a lot of discussion, particularly at the state level, about facilities that feed the future of data, AI, tech... So in anticipation of a potential project that may or may not ever materialize, we wanted to provide the option within our zoning code.”
A letter from Mortenson obtained by the Minnesota Star Tribune asks a resident to consider selling their home.
“We are working on site selection for an industrial project in Hermantown in the area of Morris Thomas Rd. Saint Louis River Rd and Midway Rd,” the letter reads. “We are working on behalf of one of our customers and are interested in buying your home.”
A spokesman for Mortenson said he was unable to provide information on the client or details of the project.