BEMIDJI — Demolition work to make way for new development in Bemidji’s rail corridor has begun.
Three structures targeted for demolition have been in various stages of abandonment and decay for years.
The building that started coming down Friday morning, Dec. 5, was most recently a paper supply office, but the structure was originally a creamery in Bemidji’s rail heyday.
After demolition and other site preparation to remove and contain contaminated soils from the area’s industrial past, construction on a new wellness center and a 98-room Marriott Hotel is slated to begin.
The two major projects spearheaded by the economic development nonprofit Greater Bemidji are anticipated to bring $57 million in new construction to the area just south of Bemidji’s downtown.
“We will be taking a blighted, contaminated site and transforming it into a vibrant and complementary addition to our downtown,” stated Greater Bemidji Executive Director Dave Hengel in an earlier release.
The 60,000-square-foot community wellness center will be operated by the YMCA, and the project is anticipated to create 77 jobs, increase the tax base by $30,000 and leverage $35 million in private investment.
GoodNeighbor Properties out of Alexandria is proposing a 98-room Marriott hotel with an event center and restaurant, representing more than $22 million in new construction.
The city of Bemidji purchased most of the rail corridor from the BNSF Railroad in the early 2000s, acquiring an additional 4 acres recently as the YMCA plan began to take shape in 2024. The city has done extensive site testing and evaluation over the last decade, contracting technical support from the St. Paul Port Authority.
Greater Bemidji and the city obtained $1.5 million in cleanup grants from the state of Minnesota to facilitate site development.
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Contributed/U.S. Forest ServiceThe office is one of 47 research and development facilities closing amid a major reorganization of the agency. The Superior and Chippewa offices and their staffing are not impacted. -
Contributed/Carlton County EMS via FacebookThe recognition of a Kettle River first responder's efforts illustrates the balancing act between passion for their mission and funding woes. -
Screenshot/St. Louis County via YouTubeThe federal government is behind schedule in approving the county's requirement of project labor agreements. County staff are asking for a temporary waiver to ensure they don't lose funds. -
Plus: Ruby's Pantry will cease operations in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa; Hermantown will accept public comment on a study for the proposed Google data center through April 30; and the Soudan Mine State Park will offer underground mine tours beginning Memorial Day weekend. -
Contributed/Ruby's Pantry - BemidjiRuby's Pantry, a faith-based nonprofit coordinating monthly pop-up food events with local churches, including 11 in Northern Minnesota, closed its operations as of March 31, 2026. -
Contributed/NWSHeavy and wet snow, freezing rain and mixed precipitation are possible. Highest snowfall rates of around one-quarter to a half-inch per hour are expected during the daytime April 2, 2026. -
Flooding in June 2024 closed the underground mine to tours for nearly two years, following another two-year closure in 2022 for restoration. -
Contributed/Minnesota Chippewa TribeCandidates who receive more than 50% of the vote in the primary win their elections; otherwise, the top two vote-getters face off in a general election June 9, 2026. -
Plus: Two local elementary schools meet their fates, with Bemidji's J.W. Smith set to remain open for at least a year, while Greenhaven in Hibbing will close.
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Contributed/Meal Train for the Rife Family Adult Foster CareKimberly Soon Jim Rife, 39, died, and her 13-year-old daughter suffered life-threatening injuries. Rife ran an adult foster care and coordinated a program to help hungry students.
