US 212 Granite Falls overlook preservation project complete

A preservation project for the historic overlook at U.S. Highway 212 in Granite Falls has been completed. 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 project included the following repair and preservation work on the west side of the Minnesota River, south of the US 212 river bridge.

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.
All work followed the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.
The project cost was approximately $210,000, and the contractor was Artistic Stone and Concrete of St. Joseph, Minn.