Shakopee Snapshots

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 17, 1898 Scott County Argus

Either our hardware merchants are anticipating a building boom this spring or they have been getting in on the ground floor before the raise in the price of wire nails and fencing. Yesterday G. S. Lander received a carload of these goods, containing 160 kegs of nails and 140 bales of barbed wire fencing. A day or two earlier Joh McMullen received a shipment as large as this, and Mr. Gellenbeck has followed suit with a third load.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 15, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Local Business Transfer Effected During Past Week

A business transfer of local interest was effected the past week when Henry Mergens sold his Sheet Metal, Plumbing and Heating business to L. Neubeiser of Belle Plaine. The latter is to take possession March 1^st…

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 12, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Reiter Property Site for New Business Here

Establishment of another new business in Shakopee was disclosed this week with the announcement that F. P. O’Connor, Minneapolis, had purchased the former Dr. H. W. Reiter property at the corner of First and Fuller streets.

According to Mr. O’Connor he will be associated with Tom Ford at Waconia in the operation of a store to be known as the “House of Bargains” specializing in unclaimed freight…

50 Years Ago: From the Feb. 14, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Building Moratorium Suggested Until Shakopee Gets Overall Plan

The Shakopee Planning Commission Thursday changed its previous position favoring construction of a “community” shopping center, tabling the proposal until a comprehensive zoning plan for the city is completed, a process which city officials predict will take at least a year.

The decision could mean a moratorium on construction within city limits during that period, Gene Foudray, commission chairman, said…

Proposed for a 13.5 acre tract of land between County Road 17 and a future extension of 10^th Avenue, the shopping center was given unanimous Planning Commission approval in the form of a recommendation that the Common Council change of the property’s zoning from residential to commercial. At that meeting only two local residents appeared in opposition to the project.

Following the receipt of a 53-signature petition opposing the center from residents of the nearby Scenic Heights housing addition, and letter of opposition from First Presbyterian Church and Shakopee School District 720, the Common Council and Planning Commission met jointly November 7, decided to seek the advice of a planning firm on the advisability of the rezoning request. At its Nov. 28 meeting the Council denied rezoning upon the planners’ recommendation that the request be either denied or tabled until completion of a new comprehensive zoning plan for the city…

25 Years Ago: From the Feb. 12, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

City OKs study on Scout barn move

Last year, the city of Shakopee was informed that the state Department of Corrections plans to expand the women’s correctional facility in Shakopee in 1999, and because of that the popular Boy Scouts Barn on the property will need to be moved…

At the Feb. 3 City Council meeting, Denny Roske, a former Scout leader and the president of the Shakopee Lions Club, and Assistant Scout Master Mike Huber informed councilors of possible sites for the barn…

The council voted to hire an architect to do a feasibility study, not to exceed $7,000, on moving the barn to Lions Park…It also directed staff to analyze the lease which the Scouts have with the state. The Scouts take care of the building and pay the insurance.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 10, 1898 Scott County Argus

L. Schaefer’s jewelry store is neater and more attractive than ever since the addition of a handsome oak wall case wherein to exhibit his stock of silverware. The case stands nearly eight feet high, is ten feet long, and has three plate glass panel doors in front. The shelving and interior throughout are lined in black, which forms a striking setting for the silverware. The lower part of the case is given up to six drawers. With the rest of the store furnished in oak, the whole presents an artistic appearance, and reflets credit on the good taste of Mr. Schaefer.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 8, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

The James Casey family are now domiciled in their new home on First St. The house was completed recently and the family moved into it last week.

75 Years Ago: From the Feb. 5, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Reopens Meat and Grocery Store

In an announcement in the Argus-Tribune today Mrs. Ben Schoenecker announces the reopening of the Schoenecker meat market and grocery on West First street…

50 Years Ago: From the Feb. 7, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Group Asks Okay to Operate New Bank in Shakopee

Application has been made to the Minnesota Commerce Commission for authorization to operate a state bank in Shakopee.

Hearing on the application will be held before the commission Tuesday, March 13 at 9 a.m., in that body’s offices in the State Office building in St. Paul.

Applicants are James Fredy and Cletus Link of Shakopee, along with Charles Cornell, Jr., and Arthur F. Rossberg. Cornell and Rossberg are associated with the Fidelity State Banks of the metropolitan area and in New Prague.

The proposed bank would be located at 470 East First Avenue in Shakopee and would be known as Western Fidelity State Bank of Shakopee.

25 Years Ago: From the Feb. 5, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Burnsville cop appointed city police chief

On a unanimous vote, the Shakopee City Council Tuesday night hired a Burnsville police captain as the city’s chief of police.

The council approved the hiring of Daniel Hughes on the recommendation of a panel of three it appointed to interview the three finalists. Other finalists were Shakopee Deputy Chief Gerald Poole and Maplewood police Captain David Thomalla. The three were recommended as finalist by the city’s Police Civil Service Commission. Mayor Jon Brekke, Councilor Jane DuBois and City Administrator Mark McNeill interviewed the three panelists and recommended Hughes to the council.

Hughes will replace Police Chief Tom Steininger, who will retire at the end of the month.

125 Years Ago: From the Feb. 3, 1898 Scott County Argus

The foundry of the Minnesota Stove company started up full force, Tuesday morning, after a month’s rest, pending the arrival of some new patterns for their 1898 heaters. The company is covering its field well, as is evidenced by the high grade cook stoves and ranges now being manufactured, as well as the cool heater, the “Imperial Coral,” which ranks with the very highest grade products of eastern makers. With the addition of some handsome wood heaters this year the “Coral” line will be as nearly complete as the firm or its patrons could wish. There are few business enterprises of its size in the state that have enjoyed prosperity in so steady a stream during the past two years as has the Minnesota Stove company.

100 Years Ago: From the Feb. 1, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

W. E. Redman of this city, together with his brother, E. W. Redman of Anoka purchased one-half interest in the Red Wing Creamery Co. at Red Wing. The creamery will be capitalized at $50,000. Mr. Redman’s brother will take charge of the creamery as manager.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 29, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

New Industry May Locate Here

Possibility of another new industry locating in Shakopee was given credence this week when Waterville firm negotiated for the rental of floor space in the center portion of the warehouse on the old mill property on North Lewis street.

A roofing, furnace and sheet metal business operated by Chanell and Stanton Anderson the industry is expected to get into operation as soon as adequate heating facilities can be put in operation, it was learned.

Specializing in roofing work the Andersons also are sales representatives for the Lennox Furniture company. Their sheet metal work is incidental to their roofing and furnace installation business.

50 Years Ago: From the Jan. 31, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

1120 Acre Reserve Area Holds Promise for Hikers, Nature Observer, Campers

Although the Hennepin County Park Reserve District has held a large area in northeastern Shakopee since 1969, development and planning has not yet taken place.

The plans for the Blue-Fisher Lake Reserve will probably get onto the District’s drawing boards this year. District officials explained that the planning, and any development, has been held back by moratoriums over the precise location of the Highway 18-169 Bridge, the firming up of the Minnesota River Trail plans through the Reserve, and the ongoing work of the Blue Lake Sewer Treatment plant.

The Blue Lake-Fisher area of Shakopee, existing today much as it must have a century or more ago, encompasses 1,100 acres, including the nearby lakes, Blue and Fisher. The area serves as habitat for deer, … and water fowl, along with many marsh animals such as egrets and muskrats…

25 Years Ago: From the Jan. 29, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Site near hospital being considered for school

Plans for a new elementary school in Shakopee are progressing this week, as the school district continues negotiations for a parcel of land near St. Francis Regional Medical Center.

Superintendent Bob Ostlund announced during Monday’s School Board meeting that the district is focusing its efforts on a 20-acre site east of the hospital, and is discussing a purchase price with property owners Gary and Greg Kerkow…

Among its pluses, the site is centrally located within the district in a rapidly developing area, Ostlund said. He noted there isn’t a lot of high-speed traffic, and the lot has access to city sewer and water…

125 Years Ago: From the Jan. 27, 1898 Scott County Argus

John McMullen has put up a warehouse 16×28 feet in size, on his lot adjoining J. A. Wilder’s lumber yard. It will be for use in connection with his agricultural implement trade. Wm. Beggs had the contract for the building.

100 Years Ago: From the Jan. 25, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

State Reformatory to Celebrate Third Anniversary

February second, the State Reformatory for Women will celebrate its third anniversary. At 2:30 p.m. a musical program will be given, after which guests will be shown through the buildings. All women who are interested in the work of the Reformatory are invited to attend.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 22, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

School Plans Near Completion

That architectural details and plans for Shakopee’s new public school have neared completion was indicated this week with the disclosure that the mass of drawings and data are now before the state department of education for examination.

Further indication of the progress was seen in the visit of structural engineers who were on the school site Saturday taking readings and soil samples. Reports of laboratory analysis of the soil will be made a part of the vast array of detail material compiled by the architects in conjunction with the preparation of building plans, it was learned.

How soon the completed plans would be presented to the board of education and representatives of the Shakopee Commercial club for examination could not be determined.

50 Years Ago: From the Jan. 24, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Memorial Park Turnover to Historical Society Gets First Council Reading

First reading of an ordinance which would convey Shakopee’s 120-acre Memorial Park to Scott County Historical Society was held Tuesday night, … no adverse comment from the public.

Prior to its … reading and the council decision on whether to turn the property over to the society, councilmen will consider the ordinance further at a joint committee meeting February 8.

The Shakopee Planning Commission, by a majority vote, has indicated their approval of the proposed turnover of the land to the Society as the best use of the area.

The park area would extend the Society’s property from its restoration site along Highway 101 up to the edge of the commercially developed area of the city.

The Society plans to construct a $1.5 million museum at the western edge of the present park. Use of the area as a picnic ground for Shakopee residents would continue until Society development extends through the picnic area. At that time, the society would construct another picnic shelter area for residents near the Millpond.

City Attorney Julius Coller said the ordinance, if adopted, would be subject to a referendum petition as are all ordinances, but as yet the proposed conveyance of the land has caused no open opposition.

Under the proposed agreement, Shakopee citizens would be afforded preferential treatment in the access to and use of society facilities…

25 Years Ago: From the Jan. 22, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Crossroads Center breaks ground

Ground was broken Jan. 14 for Shakopee Crossroads Center, a retail development that will include a Cub Foods grocery store on Marschall Road and Highway 169…

125 Years Ago: From the Jan. 20, 1898 Scott County Argus

The residence of Julius A. Coller narrowly escaped serious damage by fire Saturday. While the family was at breakfast a jar in which Mrs. Coller was burning cigar stubs for the house plants in the bedroom upstairs cracked open and lighted stubs set fire to the building. When discovered the fire had burned through to the floor. The bedstead is of iron, and this, coupled with the closed room, kept the fire from gaining serious headway. The outcome was a lucky one.

100 Years Ago: From the Jan. 18, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

Miss Elizabeth Schell to Fill Post Office Vacancy

Miss Elizabeth Schell this week received the appointment to fill the vacancy at the local Post Office.

Examinations for the position were conducted here the fore part of December when thirteen applicants took the examinations. Miss Schell is to be congratulated upon her success in receiving the appointment.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 15, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Baseball Lights Get New Boost

A united effort to provide lights and improved facilities for Shakopee’s baseball park in time for the coming season got under way Monday night with the naming of a committee composed of representatives of local civic, fraternal and veterans organizations to proceed with the formation of a non-profit corporation to finance the $15,000 project.

The committee was appointed by Harold Bigot, president of the Shakopee baseball association who had called the meeting after requesting local organizations to name representatives to attend the session…

It was the consensus of opinion expressed by the more than 75 men at the Monday session, that the financing plan should provide for the issuance of non-interest bearing bonds in $10 denominations to be sold to local investors interested in promoting baseball in the community…

In addition to the installation of lights to meet the popular demand for night baseball, leaders in the project have under consideration the enlargement of existing facilities, erection of a permanent and more spacious concession stand, improved shower and dressing rooms, and toilet facilities. These improvements, it was pointed out, are contemplated in the overall estimate of $15,000 necessary to do the job.

50 Years Ago: From the Jan. 17, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

School Board Rejects Inmate Work Program

A request from the Minnesota Correctional Institution for Women in Shakopee to place selected inmates in a work program in the Shakopee schools was rejected by board members Monday night.

The concept, described by Supt. Robert Mayer as being “probably unique in the nation if adopted,” had been tabled for further study in December, when it was first brought to the board by Roger Eastman, coordinator of education programs at the institution.

Eastman’s proposal to the board was to place volunteer inmates selected through a classification committee, in clerical jobs at the high school, serving as both vocational training and as a social rehabilitation…

25 Years Ago: From the Jan. 15, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Expansion of Shakopee prison proposed

A swelling in the population of female prison inmates will prompt state officials to seek bonding for a $7 million expansion of the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee…

The DOC is proposing construction of a 124-bed unit to meet the needs of 366 female inmates projected to be incarcerated by 2006…

Construction would begin in 1999, with completion set for July 2000…

125 Years Ago: From the Jan. 13, 1898 Scott County Argus

The committee on church debt liquidation, of the German Lutheran church, reported at a recent meeting that $300 have been cancelled in the past two years, and that the balance of $200 will, they trust, be cancelled by April 1, 1898. All voting members are taxed 25 cents monthly for this fund.

100 Years Ago: From the Jan. 11, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

League of Women Voters Held Interesting Meeting

Perhaps the largest and most interesting meeting in the history of the local League of Women Voters was held at the Public Rest rooms last Friday afternoon.

The question “Are our dances what they should be?” was discussed from different points of view. Barn dances and pavilion dances were also discussed.

Rev. Dean M. Savs gave a most interesting talk on the subject. He denounced public pavilion dances and barn dances.

Mayor Mergens gave a fine talk on the difficulties of the problem at the present time.

A large number of names were added to the list of members and the meeting proved very interesting from every standpoint.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 8, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

For Free!

Leo Robeck, Red Owl store owner, stepped out the back door of his store Saturday morning expecting to bring in a package containing a hundred pounds of beef which he had placed beside the door late Friday to freeze. The meat was gone, some one having “lifted” it during the night. Leo being the kid of fellow he is, came up with an offer to grind the meat into hamburger if the party who took it will bring it in – and no extra charge.

50 Years Ago: From the Jan. 10, 1973 Shakopee Valley News

Council Gives Its Approval to Rezoning for Medical Center

A clean bill of health was given to a rezoning for a proposed Medical Center in Shakopee by the city council Tuesday night.

The action paved the way for the construction of a 7,000 square foot clinic proposed by Drs. Donald Abrams, Anthony Spagnolo, Joseph Keenan and Donald Lynch…

The rezoning was a difficult question for councilmen, as they had recently rejected a similar request for a shopping center near the site of the proposed clinic, to be both west of County Road 17 and south of Shakopee Avenue.

The original request by the doctors was the rezoning of a 9 acre parcel they had purchased. The request was later reduced to a rezoning to business use for only three of the nine acres…

25 Years Ago: From the Jan. 8, 1998 Shakopee Valley News

Retail center to break ground

Cub Foods included in Oppidan development in city

Crossroads Center, a $12 million, 200,000 square-foot retail development project in Shakopee … will include a Cub Foods store, will be commenced Jan. 14 during ground breaking ceremonies.

The retail center, which will be located west of Marschall Road and south of Vierling Drive, will also include a Norwest Bank, SuperAmerica station, Edina Realty, Blockbuster Video, True Value Hardware store and a Crossroads Liquor store…

125 Years Ago: From the Jan. 6, 1898 Scott County Argus

About the first of next month C. L. Wilcox will tear out the front of his building, now occupied by Tailor Gillen, and replace it with a store front with plate glass show windows. Ultimately Mr. Wilcox will erect a fine store building on the corner, the stie of the Ziethen blacksmith shop, which he recently purchased, but until that is done he will make use of the remodeled frame building as a salesroom for wall paper, paints, etc.

100 Years Ago: From the Jan. 4, 1923 Shakopee Tribune

The K. of C. Library will be opened to the public next Monday, January 8^th, and after that date will be open every evening except Sunday from 7 to 7:30. A. J. Mingo will act as Librarian for the year 1923.

75 Years Ago: From the Jan. 1, 1948 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Ball Light Meeting Set

Continuing the movement to provide lights for Shakopee’s baseball park, committees representing civic, fraternal and veterans organizations are to meet with officers of the baseball association at a session to be held either in the Legion club or the city hall Monday night, Jan. 12, Vincent Marschall, secretary of the ball association disclosed.

Letters have been sent to the various organizations asking each to select committees to work with the baseball association in its effort to find ways and means of lighting the ball park.

The Shakopee Fire department had first planned to assume the responsibility for the project but abandoned the idea after probing the problems and difficulties involved.

What plan will be evolved as a result of the coming meeting was not forecast, but it is evident that men interested in the project are hopeful that an organization representative of all groups in the city will eventually be formed to carry the project to successful completion.

In disclosing the date of the Jan. 12 meeting Marschall also made it clear that anyone interested in the effort is welcome to attend the session.

125 Years Ago: From the Dec. 30, 1897 Scott County Argus

Miss Minnie F. Buchanan has resigned her position as teacher in the Union Schools, on account of her health. A successor has not yet been chosen, although it is understood the Board will try to secure the services of a male teacher. As at present arranged the department in which the vacancy occurs includes the third, fourth and seventh grades.

100 Years Ago: From the Dec. 28, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

A very fine shipment of clothing was sent from this city last Friday through the American Red Cross to the suffering natives in Asia. The ladies in charge asked for one hundred garments. However through the generosity of the people of Shakopee, two hundred and fifty-eight garments, all in good condition, were received and shipped to the sufferers in a foreign land.

75 Years Ago: From the Dec. 25, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Towed Car Breaks Loose, Flows into Theatre Building

Being hauled in from an earlier accident that had cost its driver his life a car broke free from behind a tow truck and plowed into the front of the Shakopee theatre building early Saturday.

Missing only by inches the plate glass front of the Shakopee Jewelry the already wrecked car smashed several visible panels that touch the brick front of the structure, ripped off … trim and smashed the glass to a bill board.

50 Years Ago: From the Dec. 27, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

MVRP Use of Park Seen As Way to Speed Recreation Development

Shakopee Parks and Recreation Director George Muenchow said this week that he is strongly in favor of a current proposal by the Scott County Historical Society to undertake responsibility for development of Memorial Park in Shakopee…

The proposal of the Society, to have the city deed it, the park land and a large cornfield to the north, was made at an executive session of the council a few weeks ago, and at the council’s most recent meeting, city attorney Julius Coller was instructed to draw up necessary ordinances and papers. The ordinance will require two readings before it becomes effective.

If the Society is successful in its quest for more area, they will construct the planned interpretive center for the Minnesota Valley Restoration on the present park property, near the Millpond…

Memorial Park would continue to function as a park and picnic area for the residents of the Shakopee. When an increase in visitors makes the interpretive center area too congested, a picnic area will be constructed in a special park area across the millpond stream for area residents…

Completion of the center and the rest of the site is expected by 1976…

25 Years Ago: From the Dec. 25, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Developer: Cub, retail center to open in November

Work is scheduled to begin on a Cub Foods store in Shakopee in March, according to the new developer of a shopping complex planned west of Marschall Road and south of Vierling Drive.

Cub is expected to be open by next November, at the 33-acre Crossroads Center, a planned multi-tenant retail development.

Oppidan Investment Co., Minneapolis, is taking over the development and closed the deal last week after the first developer, Shakopee Associates L.L.P., Edina, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in October.

Oppidan president Joe Ryan said the 170,000-square-foot shopping center will include a SuperAmerica, Norwest Bank and Edina Realty among other tenants. Ryan said with the change in developers, the mix of retail businesses that will fill the remaining 60,000 square feet also will change…

125 Years Ago: From the Dec. 23, 1897 Scott County Argus

An occasional glimpse of a bicycle about town keeps constantly in mind the fact that there is as yet no sleighing, but the frosted appearance of the irrepressible cyclist, as he humps himself along the highway, budding his anatomy into his overcoat as best he can, speaks eloquently of subzero weather.

100 Years Ago: From the Dec. 21, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

A number of ladies under the auspices of the American Red Cross are collecting articles of cast-off clothing to be sent to Asia for the suffering natives. They plan to have about one hundred or more garments and will pack and send them tomorrow from the rest rooms, where they have been delivered the past few days.

75 Years Ago: From the Dec. 18, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Condon Resigns City Position

R. C. Condon, on leave of absence from his duties as superintendent of Shakopee’s public utilities, has resigned his position, it was learned this week…

50 Years Ago: From the Dec. 20, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Sweeney Elementary students show their parents what they have learned in phy-ed. The gymnastic course came to a close last week with the students giving demonstrations on the beam, mats, horse, and ropes. According to Jim Trelstad, phy-ed teacher, the course has lasted three weeks and was for students in grades one through six.

25 Years Ago: From the Dec. 18, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Scott County agrees to plan to share jail space

A two-year agreement between the Carver and Scott County sheriff’s departments, approved by the Scott County Board Dec. 9, will benefit both counties in fully utilizing and expanding the life of their jails, officials said.

The Scott County jail is experiencing overcrowding problems and is operating above its licensed capacity on an average of 10 inmates per day. As a result, the Minnesota Department of Corrections found the secure jail to not be in compliance with a variety of mandatory jail standards.

Meanwhile, the non-secure jai annex in Jordan has an abundance of minimum-security beds while the Carver County jail has an abundance of secure beds.

The agreement, approved by the Scott County Board on Dec. 9 will allow Scott County to house Carver County’s work-release and minimum-security inmates at the Jordan annex while Scott County would house a number of inmates who require secure custody at the Carver County jail.

Inmates will be exchanged on a one-for-one, day-for-day basis with no charge to either county. Transportation of the inmates will be provided by the county in which the inmates were sentences.

125 Years Ago: From the Dec. 16, 1897 Scott County Argus

The appearance of snowplows on the engines of the Omaha railway indicates that all is not quite so summerlike and milk everywhere as it is in this vicinage.

100 Years Ago: From the Dec. 14, 1922 Shakopee Tribune

The Al Tiedt farm, east of this city was visited by thieves Sunday night, who made a get-away with forty chickens, three turkeys and thirty grain sacks. They also helped themselves to the lens from Mr. Tiedt’s Ford. No clue to the prowlers has been found at the present time.

75 Years Ago: From the Dec. 11, 1947 Shakopee Argus-Tribune

Renew Ball Park Lighting Project at Confab Monday

Effort to provide lights for Shakopee’s baseball park was renewed Monday night when members of the Baseball association and representatives of the city and local service and fraternal societies met at the city hall to consider the situation.

Harold Bigot, president of the ball association, presided at the session which considered adoption of a new approach to the proposed project, which has occupied public attention for several months.

Confident that a satisfactory solution will eventually be reached the group agreed to have another meeting at a date to be announced later.

50 Years Ago: From the Dec. 13, 1972 Shakopee Valley News

Board Okays Move to Get Costs for District Offices

Informal board approval was given Monday to School Superintendent Dr. Robert Mayer to obtain costs for renovation of a portion of Central Elementary School to be used as District offices.

Plans, originally developed for the renovation were cut back substantially, and rather than put the entire project out on bids, the work will probably be conducted by local craftsmen.

This approach was recommended as the most economical by the school’s architectural firm which developed the plans for the offices without charge. Cost estimate of the project before the cutbacks, was $50,000.

Moving to the district office when it is completed will be the Superintendent and his secretary, Mrs. Gertrude Roepke, schools business manager Robert Martin, the school’s TIES office, the local branch of a school district cooperative using one computer service for scheduling, marks and payrolls.

25 Years Ago: From the Dec. 11, 1997 Shakopee Valley News

Seagate plant proposed here

1,276 jobs could move to city if company gets tax-increment help

Seagate Technology is considering locating a $30 million to $40 million, 340,000-square-foot compute disc-drive design center and research and development facility in Shakopee’s Valley Green Business Park.

Seagate is seeking tax-increment financing assistance from the city and without it, will look elsewhere. Among the site contenders is the city of Savage, said Godfrey Mayer, director of corporate real estate for Seagate…

The facility would be built in two phases. Phase one would begin next spring with a two-story, 262,000-square-foot research and production facility with an estimated market value of $22.5 million. It would hold 715 workers.

Phase two would be completed by 2002 with an 80,000-square-foot expansion and an estimated market value of nearly $8 million. The second phase would bring about 511 jobs.

Additionally, Seagate anticipates adding 40 new full-time jobs during the first two years of operations.

At its Dec. 2 meeting, the Shakopee City Council voted unanimously to accept the development proposal in concept after a presentation by Roger Gaudette, a consultant representing Seagate. The council directed staff to move ahead with the proposal with the intent of having a finalized proposal by next Tuesday’s council meeting.