Minnesota town faces backlash over ugly barndominiums
- Crosslake, a small Minnesota town, is facing an influx of large metal buildings known as 'barndominiums'.
- The rise in these structures has led to Crosslake being nicknamed 'Tin City' due to aesthetic concerns.
- City officials are considering regulations to control the growth of these buildings and maintain the town's character.
In Crosslake, a wealthy lake town in Minnesota, there has been a growing trend of constructing 'barndominiums,' which are large metal buildings primarily used for storage by affluent property owners. This change has led to the town receiving the unfortunate nickname 'Tin City,' reflecting concerns about the aesthetic impact of these structures. The surge in demand for these buildings has been associated with the influx of buyers who paid significantly high prices for lakeside properties, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. The city’s planning and zoning administrator, Paul Satterlund, pointed out that around 40 percent of the municipality is water, naturally leading to a higher need for storage facilities. Additionally, there are numerous multimillion-dollar homes and recreational boats within the area, thereby exacerbating the demand. Noting the need for regulatory measures, the city has begun enforcing stricter ordinances on personal metal buildings, with some areas now prohibited from hosting these constructs in commercial districts. The intention is to maintain the Northwoods character and enhance the overall visual appeal of the environment. Furthermore, former mayor Patty Norgaard alluded to the fact that the rise in property values has attracted developers who see the potential for profitable storage units to accommodate the needs of wealthy homeowners. As the new council and mayor prepare to take office in 2025, the fate of barndominiums remains uncertain, as community leaders grapple with balancing development needs and preserving the town’s charm.