Hermantown Sees Fast Development After Recession

Eight Businesses Open on the Same Block Within a Year

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The drive north on Highway 53 is looking very different compared to years past.

New franchises have moved in while longtime businesses are feeling increased competition.

“We want to be very supportive of our existing businesses, but we also know that we need to continue to grow,” said Hermantown city administrator, John Mulder.

Hermantown is bouncing back from the recession and welcoming nearly a dozen new businesses along the way.

Hermantown’s population is on the rise and locals believe families are choosing to live up the hill because it’s the perfect balance between country living and being close to the city.

For 60 years, Skyline Bowl has been the top spot to grab a beer, catch up with your pals, and toss a ball or two.

“The potential that Hermantown has which is very positive and encouraging,” said director of marketing at Skyline Bowl, Corey Kolquist.

Kolquist keeping a business rolling through the decades isn’t easy.

“Bowling is kind of a dying industry,” Kolquist said.

With corporate competition the traditional lanes are finding their niche.

“We love having the businesses further on the highway than us which draws more people up to this area,” said Kolquist. “With that being said you do have the competition of dealing with Kwik Trips and their low prices.”

In less than a year, a handful of businesses such as Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Kwik Trip, Domino’s Pizza and Burger King have popped up all in the same block.

“There’s a lot of fun things going on,” said Mulder. “To me it’s fun.”

Since 2009, Mulder has helped Hermantown through the ups and downs and says completing the Sugar Maple Crossing is just the beginning.

“We have always taken the approach that when people want to develop we are trying to be as accommodating as possible,” Mulder said.

In the works right now is a complete road reconstruction, Fleet Farm, Holiday Inn, yet another Kwik Trip, and a $48 million elementary school that’s attracting young families up the hill.

“The corridor of Highway 53 is just an attractive place for businesses to be,” said Mulder. “That area is going to look vastly different.”

Construction on Fleet Farm, Kwik Trip, and the new hotel will begin in the spring when the snow melts.