US 212 Granite Falls overlook preservation project begins June 7

A preservation project for the historic overlook at U.S. Highway 212 in Granite Falls begins Monday, June 7.

Repair and preservation work will take place on the west side of the Minnesota River, south of the US 212 river bridge. The overlook was constructed in 1938 by the Minnesota Department of Highways staff and federal relief program workers and is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

The sidewalk under the US 212 bridge will be closed during repair work. Pedestrians can access the north side of the park using the US 212/Hwy 23 crosswalk. Public parking in Memorial Park will remain open during repointing work.
Preservation work includes:

• Repoint the stone overlook (replace deteriorated mortar between the stones)
• Restore benches
• Repair walkways
• Replace the gravel plaza surface with concrete and repointed stone curb
• Plant new trees
• Add interpretation

Repointing on the south wing wall at the entrance to Granite Falls Memorial Park on Highway 67 is included in the project because this part of the entry structure is in MnDOT right of way. Memorial Park is also eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

The project is expected to be complete by July 19. The cost is approximately $210,000, and the contractor is Artistic Stone and Concrete of St. Joseph, Minn.