Sartell, Minnesota

A Striking City Transformation

Building on Industrial History and welcoming what is to come

The city of Sartell, Minnesota, has a history intricately tied to its industrial roots, which has significantly shaped its development over the years. To understand Sartell’s journey, one must look back at its early days when the town’s growth was primarily influenced by the paper mill. The mill, whose smokestack was a prominent feature visible from almost every part of the community, was more than just a facility—it was the cornerstone of Sartell’s identity and economic stability.

A retired lifelong resident, Ron Hurd, recalls how the paper mill played a role in the town’s formation and daily life. He mentions that until the early 2000s, Sartell remained a relatively small town, with the paper mill its largest employer. The mill provided high wages, becoming the primary employment and community development source. It also facilitated the formation of Sartell’s fire department, highlighting its central role in economic and civic life.

The mill’s significance extended beyond employment. It sponsored local sports teams and other community activities, creating a tightly knit community culture centered around the mill. Hurd’s anecdotes underscore this relationship, recalling how he and many other local youths worked part-time at the mill while attending high school. The employment provided good money, allowing them to purchase new cars and enjoy a level of financial comfort uncommon for their age.

Al Patton, another retiree and former employee, shared similar experiences. He highlights the demanding yet rewarding nature of working at the mill while balancing school responsibilities. Despite the challenges, the financial benefits were substantial, providing a sense of economic independence and stability for young workers.

Shifting focus and growth

As the town grew, especially in the 2000s, the focus shifted. Mayor Ryan Fitzthum notes that the housing boom significantly contributed to Sartell’s expansion, leading to a population of 20,000. This period marked a strategic shift towards diversifying the city’s economic base, moving away from reliance on the paper mill and DeZURIK, another primary industry leader that calls Sartell home. The devastating fire in 2012 that destroyed the mill was a turning point, after which the healthcare sector emerged as the leading employer in the community.

NeTia Bauman, CEO and President of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, emphasizes the city’s efforts in diversifying its tax base. The strategic pivot involved significant residential growth and the integration of healthcare-related services, such as senior housing. This diversification stabilized the economy and spurred new development and employment opportunities within Sartell.

Redeveloping the former paper mill site

Over the past few years, Sartell has faced numerous challenges, notably losing its largest employer. The paper mill significantly impacted the community’s economic stability, necessitating a shift in focus on the city’s development and adaptation strategies. One of the primary challenges has been redeveloping the former paper mill site, a massive property that lay barren and underutilized after the mill’s destruction.

Anita Archambeau, Consultant for city projects, adds that the former paper mill’s physical space, once a bustling industrial site, now presents both a challenge and an opportunity for redevelopment. Since purchasing the property in 2023, the city has been working on a comprehensive community planning process.

The redevelopment strategy focuses on creating a mixed-use area that integrates both passive and active uses, emphasizing the site’s historical significance and proximity to the Mississippi River. The plan includes developing a Riverwalk Trail and leveraging the existing pedestrian bridge that once served as the primary driving bridge into Sartell.

Anna Gruber, City Administrator, discusses the phased approach to redevelopment. Phase One will focus on public amenities and recreational access, prioritizing getting people back on the site for recreational purposes while broader development plans continue.

The redevelopment plan for the former paper mill site is crucial in addressing some of Sartell’s recent challenges. However, the cost of infrastructure remains a significant hurdle. The city actively seeks grants and other funding opportunities to mitigate these costs and support the development.

Housing market dynamics

The housing market in Sartell has experienced various shifts over the past few years. While the development of single-family homes has slowed, there has been a significant increase in the infill of vacant lots recently. The developments, primarily from five to ten years ago, are growing, with many vacant lots filled with new single-family homes. In addition to single-family homes, Sartell has also seen the construction of new apartment buildings, including a recently completed complex with 152 units. The balance between single-family homes and apartments has been interesting, showing a more diverse housing market.

Several housing projects, including single-family homes and townhome developments, are in the pipeline. The projects are currently in the early planning phases, and as interest rates potentially decrease, they are expected to come to fruition, providing more housing options for Sartell residents.

Sartell is a great place to live, and much of the appeal can be attributed to its excellent school district. The school district is a major draw for families, driving the demand for residential housing in the community. The high demand has sometimes led to measures such as a moratorium on multifamily housing to manage the influx. The combination of great jobs and an outstanding school district makes Sartell an attractive place for families to settle.

Recreational opportunities and community events

Sartell also boasts various attractions and events that draw people into the city. Over the past decade, the city has developed into a premier sports community, especially for youth sports. The state-renowned and nationally recognized baseball facility at Pinecone Central Park hosts over 300 teams each year. Adding lights to the facility has enhanced its ability to attract more teams and events. The St. Cloud Orthopedics Field and Scheels Athletic Complex further support this reputation, providing amateur and youth hockey and other sports facilities.

The sporting amenities attract families to Sartell throughout the year for various events, tournaments, and games, contributing to the local economy. The redevelopment of the former paper mill site holds the potential to be a significant catalyst for creating additional destination spots, potentially including hotels, restaurants, and trails, which would further enhance Sartell’s attractiveness to visitors.

Annual events like Summerfest also significantly affect Sartell’s community life. The festival, held every second weekend in June, has been a tradition for many years. It features parades, local businesses, youth associations, marching bands, and other attractions along the scenic River Road, which overlooks the river and the mill site. Summerfest is a highly anticipated event that brings together the community and highlights the vibrant spirit of Sartell. Country Lights Festival is another gem that calls Sartell home. The whole month of December the Sartell Community Center is lit up with holiday lights and family activities. It is truly a community event with a lot of time, effort, and energy put into it by many volunteers.

Business growth and economic development

Sartell has recently experienced notable growth in small and large businesses. While not technically within Sartell’s jurisdiction, CentraCare, the regional healthcare organization across the road, has significantly impacted the community. CentraCare’s partnership with the University of Minnesota will open a medical school in 2025 to educate doctors in a more rural setting, encouraging them to practice in similar environments. The initiative is expected to boost the growth of ancillary medical services and complementary businesses within Sartell, enhancing the local economy and community healthcare options.

The med-tech industry has seen the most substantial growth in Sartell, with central healthcare facilities and related services such as orthopedic clinics and podiatry offices expanding significantly. The growth has been driven by CentraCare’s influence and Sartell’s strategic location, just north of St. Cloud.

In addition to the healthcare sector, Sartell is home to two large manufacturing industries: DeZURIK, a valve manufacturing company, and Toppan Merrill, which recently underwent a significant expansion project. DeZURIK has been a central employer in the area for decades, with its roots tracing back to an employee of the original paper mill who developed the valve and established a manufacturing plant across the river. The longstanding presence has made DeZURIK a vital part of Sartell’s industrial base, selling valves worldwide and contributing significantly to the local economy.

Another business that has thrived in Sartell is the Riverboat Depot, a restaurant capitalizing on its prime location facing the river and the mill site. The addition of a patio a few years ago has made it a popular spot for dining with a view, further boosted by its proximity to the pedestrian bridge. The area is poised for growth as the mill site redevelopment progresses, drawing more visitors and enhancing the local dining experience.

Sustainability initiatives

Sustainability is a key focus in Sartell’s redevelopment efforts. The former paper mill site features a hydroelectric facility that has the potential to power the entire acreage. The hydroelectric utility and the city’s engagement in solar energy projects feature Sartell’s commitment to sustainable development. The city has allowed up to 10 megawatts of solar power within the community, and this initiative is likely to expand as it has been well-received.

Long-term strategic goals

Looking ahead, Sartell has ambitious long-term strategic goals to maintain its small-town community feel while accommodating growth. The recently completed National Community Survey has provided valuable insights from residents, emphasizing the desire for a central gathering place and downtown area where people can hold events and enjoy access to the Mississippi River. The vision includes mixed-use housing, restaurants, and recreational facilities, creating a vibrant and accessible community space.

The Mill District redevelopment is a cornerstone of this vision. By transforming the former paper mill site into a dynamic area that blends historical significance with modern amenities, Sartell aims to create a “living room” feel for the community—a central hub for social and economic activities. Ensuring this development complements rather than competes with other city areas is crucial for sustainable growth.

Sartell’s commitment to providing diverse housing options for all residents is also a priority. The city aims to balance growth with utility and public service needs, ensuring that Sartell remains a desirable place to live, work, and play. The focus on maintaining community pride, safety, and an excellent school system while expanding housing and business opportunities reflects Sartell’s strategic and mindful approach to development.

“Looking ahead, we see Sartell not just as a place to live but as a thriving community where history and progress walk hand in hand,” says Mayor Fitzthum. “Our vision is to create a space where every resident feels at home, every business thrives, and every visitor finds a reason to return.”

AT A GLANCE

Sartell, Minnesota

What: A city known for its industrial history, evolving into a community with diverse economic sectors, including healthcare and manufacturing.

Where: Sartell is a city in central Minnesota near the Mississippi River and part of the St. Cloud metropolitan area, about 70 miles northwest of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Website: https://www.sartellmn.com/