Tofte Core Village Community Plan (306-12-07)

Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program
Tofte Core Village Community Plan
Barbara Gervais, Tofte Town Clerk
Decem ber 2006
Project No. 306-12~07
Contract No. A79124
This project was funded in part under the Coastal Zone Management Act, by NOAA's
Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, in cooperation with Minnesota's
Lake Superior Coastal Program.
Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program MLSCP Project No. 306-12-07
FiNAL REPORT
Contract Number: A79124

Date Received by MLSCP:
Project Title: Tofte Core Village Community Plan
Project Start Date: Sept. 7, 2005
Reporting Period From: 10/01106 To: 12114/2006
Name & Title of Person Completing Report Barbara Gervais, Tofte Town Clerk
1. Thoroughly discuss progress made during this reporting period, citing specific tasks
listed in contract scope of services.
Our objective for the final Steering Committee Meeting which was held on
October 10, 2006, was two fold 1) To review the survey results from the Town
Residents and 2) to take this input and create a recommendation from the Steering
Committee to be presented to the Tofte Town Board at their November 2006 meeting.
The Steering Committee Meeting was attended by a number ofresidents in addition
to the conurutlee members. With an open forum at this meeting, Sue Lawson opened
(he floor to residents and business owners alike as they continued discussion on what
possible changes to the Town of Tofte they would like to see before making a fu1al
report to the Board. The results of the survey were discussed. Changes that the
majority agreed upon was that they would like to see a reduction in speed through the
town and that tum out lanes are especiaUy needed for the bank and school area for
safety reasons. With some tweaking of the existing alignment option, more progress
was made towards a consensus. It was decided that a letter would be sent to all
residentslbusiness owners that could be affected by these changes asking them to
attend the regular Town Board Meeting in November.
In summary this is what was accomplished by our grant:
A Steering Committee was fanned to plan the development of a Tofte Town

Center. It was formed with the agreement that it would use a consensus based
process for the decision making process while keeping an open and inclusive format.
Sue Lawson from the center for Rural Planning was the guide for the process. The
focus was to create a vision a f a Town Center that would best serve the Town of
Tofte and it's residents. There was some urgency to developing a plan due to the
coming changes in MNDOT's Highway 61 alignment project. The Steering
Committee had several planning meetings, including December 2005, January 2006,
May 2006 and October 2006. There were several open house forums for the public
held in July 2005, June 2006 and August 2006. ldeas for the Town center arose jTom
these meetings and while three options were discussed; an agreement was reached to
look more closely at two options. Those two options were to 1.) creating a Town
Center and shifting Highway 61 slightly to the north; and 2.) the other option created
the Town Center with a nOl1herly shift of Highway 61 that would follow some of the
power line easement.
However, at the June 26, 2006, community open house, the consensus was
not to pursue option 1 and 2, but to review the existing Highway 61 alignment
possibility. C.J. Fernandez from the Center for Changing Landscapes was
extraordinary at drawing and redrawing and putting our visions on paper. Witil
the August 2006 open house meeting having the agenda to investigate the Existing
Highway 61 Option, a genuine consensus seemed to be reach by the town. It was
agreed to look at the existing Highway 61 alignment with two possibilities 1.)
Tofte Town Square concept south of Highway 61 by the lake or 2.) "Tofte Hills"
Hill's concept north of Highway 61, up the hill and away from the lake. At this
point, Sue Lawson created a survey seeking comments. With the survey results
in and compiled, the last meeting of the Steering Committee was held in October
2006. From the results of the survey along with the preferences voiced by the
residents and business owners of Tofte, the Tofte Town Board will prepare a
preferred plan to present to the County.
This grant money allowed the Town to use the outstanding skills of Sue
Lawson and the Center for Rural Planning to guide us through this process. Sue
was excellent at keeping the process open and welcoming to everyone. She put
together the survey questions and then compiled the information. Sue is very
skilled in keeping the meetings moving ahead but always took time to recognize
any concerns that were voiced. C. J. Fernandez from the Center for Changing
Landscapes was invaluable as he put our thoughts and visions on paper. Mary
Vogel from the Center for Changing Landscapes also attended some of the
meetings providing her insight and used her expertise to answer questions.
The process started with looking at the options available, and then how each
option would affect the town and it's people. Because some of the options
involved people's homes, it was very personal and sometimes emotional. The
community was very involved in voicing their thoughts and concerns at these
meetings. Due to this, the plan to be proposed to the County by the Town Board
will reflect the majority's wishes.
2. IdentifY and discuss any problems or concerns (issues or project implementation

and administration)
Without the knowledge and expertise of Sue Lawson from the Center for Rural
Planning and C. J. Fernandez from the Center for Changing Landscapes this process
would not have been possible. Without having someone that can put our thoughts and
visions on paper, it is difficult to envision even the best ideas. Also, without a leader to
keep the process moving forward, the progess made would have taken much more time
and never have accomplished as much.
Thank you to everyone that was a part of making this vision for the future of the Town of
Tofte to come alive.
Send to: kurla.sundberg@dnr.stale.mn.us
Send to:
Karla Sundberg
Coastal Program Grants Specialist
Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Grant
1568 Highway 2
Two Harbors, MN 55615
T O F T E T OW N CE N TER
COMMUNITY DESIGN PROJECT
October 2006
October 11, 2006
Dear Board Members,
We are pleased to submit to you the report on the Tofte Town Center Project for your further review,
discussions, and decision-making.
The report discusses the purpose, the process, the context of the project as well as all of the design
options considered by the community.
It was a pleasure working with you and the people of Tofte.
If we can be of further help, please let us know.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Center for Changing Landscapes

Center for Rural Planning
Mary Vogel
Sue Lawson
Carlos Fernandez CJ
AC K NOW L ED GEM EN TS
This project was produced and completed by The Center for Changing Landscapes at the University of Minnesota and Center for Rural Planning, Duluth,
Minnesota:
Mary Vogel, Co-Director
Roger Martin, Senior Research Fellow, Professor Emeritus
Carlos J. Fernandez, Design Coordinator
Sue Lawson, Planning Director, Center for Rural Planning
Nichole Schlepp, Research Fellow
Laura Reuter, Research Fellow
Cynthia M. Carlson, Research Assistant
Funding for this project was received by:
“This project was funded in part by the Coastal Zone Management Act, by NOAA’s Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, in conjunction
with Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program.”
Center for Transportation Studies
Minnesota Lake Superior Coastal Program
The Blandin Foundation
Minnesota Department of Transportation
This publication is available in alternative formats upon request. Direct requests to:
Center for Changing Landscapes

151 Rapson Hall
89 Church Street
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612.624.7557
©2006 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.
The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
Printed on recycled and recyclable paper with at least 10 percent postconsumer material.
INTRODUCTION 1-3 APPENDICES 79-126

PROJECT BUILDING 5-11 Appendix A: Steering Committee 80
Background 6-7 Appendix B: July 2005 Survey 81
Purpose 8-9 Appendix C: Summary of Comments from 82-83

October Open House
Project Structure: Scope of Work 10-11
Appendix D: Tofte Town Survey, September 84-95
2006
THE COMMUNITY-DRIVEN 13-21 Appendix E: Goals and Policies 96-97

DESIGN PROCESS Appendix F: Zoning Map 98
A Public Driven Process 14-15
Appendix G: Preliminary Design Boards 99-112
The Steering Commitee 16-17
Appendix H: Final Design Boards 113-126
The Comprehensive Plan 18-19
Developing Opportunities and Constraints 20-21
THE SETTING 23-35

Region
24-25
Township
26-27
Community
28-29
Community: A Closer Look

30-31
Photographic Analysis
32-35
TOFTE TOWN CENTER DESIGN 37-77

OPTIONS
Overview 38-39
Town Plan 40-41
Current Development Patterns 42-51
Tofte Town Square 52-63
Tofte Hills 64-75
Next Steps 76-77
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I N T R O D U C TION
INTRODUCTION
I N T R OD U C TION
The Tofte Town Center Community Design Project is a community-driven

design and planning project that explored options for the creation of a
town center in Tofte, Minnesota. Escalating land values and increasing
development pressures have led the community to rethink future
development patterns and consider options that secure economic viability
while preserving the natural character of the region. As a proactive
community, Tofte first engaged in a comprehensive planning process and
now a community design process to identify design and planning options
that support the livelihood and character of local community life.
INTRODUCTION 3
P R O J EC T B U IL D IN G
BACKGROUND
PURP OSE
PROJECT STRUCTURE: SCOPE OF WORK

Background
Tofte adopted the Town of Tofte Comprehensive Community Plan in
February 2005. Several projects were identified to help achieve the
visions articulated in the Comprehensive Community Plan. The Tofte
Town Center Design is the first project identified.
Several other factors came together to propel the Town Center Planning
process forward; the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s proposal
to rebuild Highway 61 through Tofte; the construction of the Gitchi Gami
Bike Trail through Tofte; and the Tofte-Schroeder Sanitary District’s charge
to look at sewage treatment issues in the district.
The Town of Tofte hired the Center for Rural Planning, Duluth and the
Center for Changing Landscapes, University of Minnesota to lead the Tofte
Town Center Community Design Project. The Town of Tofte, Minnesota’s
Lake Superior Coastal Program, the Blandin Foundation, and the Minnesota
Department of Transportation provided funding for the project.
BACKGROUND 7
Purpose
The purpose of the design project is to create a community-driven design
that can be used to direct and shape Tofte’s future. The design closely
examines, in a comprehensive manner, the requirements needed to
balance the protection of the community’s resources, cultural and natural,
while planning for economic development and growth.
The following principles were used to achieve this purpose:
Concentrating development,
Preserving and enhancing Tofte’s cultural and natural landscape,
Creating connections to amenities and recreational systems,
Providing for future sustainability,
Addressing safety and congestion problems along Highway 61
which is both an economic corridor and a scenic byway, and
Minimizing the design’s effect on property owners.
PURPOSE 9
P R O J EC T BU IL D IN G
Project Structure: Scope of Work

The project work was organized into seven major tasks: Task 4:
Presentation of Preliminary Design
Task 1: CRP will facilitate meeting and outreach
Community Meeting Kick-off Design work will be presented for purposes of feedback.
CRP Facilitates the meeting, space arrangements, community CRP will collaborate of the collection of community and MN Dot
communication and outreach. responses.
Site Visits and information gathering
Photo Analysis of community and surrounding area
Task 5:
Any additional visits to government offices, interest groups, regional
Analysis of Responses, Revisions, and Final Design
resources etc.
All feedback will be collected and reviewed.
Revisit preliminary design for changes.
Collaborate with CRP for decision on what option to pursue.
Task 2:
CRP will communicate with the Tofte Community.

Data Compilation
CCL will produce final design that will consist of:

Synthesis of information gathered in community meeting and site
1 Final Plan Suggestion
visit.
2 Sites for design development
Additional information gathering with MN DOT
Signage and detail suggestions
Base Map data and information gathering.
Illustrative Drawings.
Base Map Production
Analysis
Creation of Character Analysis Task 6:
Opportunities and Constraints Document Production & Final Products
Design Requirements/Project Scoping Project will be assembled into an 11 x 11 format as a final
Collaborate with CRP and Man DOT in developing a project product.
scope. The document will consist of all design work, process drawings,
CRP is responsible for the needed community communication communication and necessary information.
and outreach
Reach agreement between parties, one meeting
Task 7:
Presentation of Final Design and Delivery of Product
1 Meeting with a Tofte Focus Group
Task 3:
1 Community Open House (CRP will facilitate both meetings)
Preliminary Design Phase
Delivery of:
CCL Conducts to produce a set of design concepts for
1 Set of Large format Final Design Boards
presentation.
5 Sets of 8.5 x 11 Final Design Boards
CCL Will Produce:
5 Documents. Hard Copies
2 Design Plan Options, with special emphasis on solving Hwy. 61
alignment issues. (Plan Views)

5 Digital CD’s with all of the above mentioned Products
2 Site investigations (Axons)
Signage Options and other Details (Plans, Sections, Axons)
Illustrative
P R O J E C T S T R U C T U R E : S C O P E O F W O R K
11
T HE C OM M U N ITY -D RIVEN DESIGN PROCESS
A PUBLIC DRIVEN PROCESS
STEERING COMMITEE
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS

THE COMMUNITY DRIVEN DESIGN PROCESS
A Public Driven Process

Beginning with the Comprehensive Plan, the Town Board supported a
community-based process to develop future plans and a community vision
based on the expressed sentiment of the Tofte public and continued to
support a community driven design process for the Tofte Town Center
Designs. This process was structured to empower the Tofte public in
decision making regarding the design proposals, provide information, and
explore opportunities through the Steering Committee. The process built
on the work produced from the Comprehensive Planning Process, held
several community-wide open house meetings for information gathering
and design programming, conducted multiple design presentations for the
purposes of feedback and review from the community, used Web postings
of the design work and e-mail for additional feedback, and distributed a
survey to all Tofte property owners.
The Community-based process was structured as follows:
The Steering Committee was formed with the idea that a smaller
committee represent all interests of the community and is formed
to “steer” the process,
This Steering Committee periodically checked in with the
community at large,
There was an ongoing process to involve and check in with the
larger community through the use of the media, open houses,
surveys, newsletters, and the internet updates posted on a Web
site.
A PUBLIC DRIVEN PROCESS
15
T H E COM M U N ITY -D RIVEN DESIGN PROCESS
Steering Committee
The Town Board solicited Steering Committee members at the first Event: Community-Wide Open House
community-wide open house as well as notifying people who participated Date: June 26, 2006
on the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. See Appendix A for its Work at Event: Reviewed and sought comments on designs, Option 3
members. The Steering Committee was formed to be a working committee - By-Pass was removed from further consideration, continued to explore
that represented all interests of the community. Option 1- Hwy 61 north of Market, and further explored slight realignment
of HWY 61.
Decisions made by the Steering Committee were made through
consensus; that is, every one on the Steering Committee could live with Event: Community-Wide Open House
the decision. Date: August 21, 2006
Work at Event: Reviewed the two Options: Hwy 61 north of North Shore
Steering Committee work was structured as follows:
Market and slight realignment of HWY 61; Reviewed existing conditions in
The Steering Committee steered the design process, Tofte and MNDOT’s last design for re-building Hwy 61.
The Steering Committee periodically checked in with the
Event: Survey
community at large, and
Date: September 5, 2006
The Steering Committee deliberated on the strengths and
Work at Event: Sent survey to all property owners in Tofte regarding the
weaknesses of each of the options developed by the design team
two design options. (See Appendix D for a summary of the results)
and made recommendations to the Town Board after checking in
with the community at large. Steering Committee Meeting
Date: October 10, 2006
Event: Booth at Parade With Survey Work at Meeting: Reviewed survey results and formulated recom
mendations to the Town Board.
Date: July 4, 2005
Work at Event: Sought ideas regarding the Tofte Town Center as well as
Steering Committee members. (See Appendix B: July 4th Survey)
Event: Community-Wide Open House

Date: October 25, 2005
Work at Event: Visioning Process for the Town Center
Steering Committee Meeting

Date: December 6, 2005
Work at Meeting: Establish the Committee, analyze town site, review
Comprehensive Plan, and review comments from 10.25.05 Open House.
(See Appendix C for a Summary of Comments)

Date: January 24, 2006
Work at Meeting: Reviewed 3 options; Directed consultants to explore
Option1 where HWY 61shifts north of the North Shore Market and Option
3 where HWY 61 bypasses Town Center on power line ROW. Option 2,
slight shift in alignment of Hwy 61, remains on the table, but not explored
at this time.

Date: May 23, 2006
Work at Meeting: Reviewed Options 1 and 2; Reviewed the correctness
of data; Sought improvements and concerns with design options.
S T E E R I N G C O M M I T T E E
17
The Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan is very clear on the vision, goals, and policies in
directing the Town Center Design. (For a more complete list of goals and
policies, please see Appendix E) These goals and policies helped form
the basis for developing the Town Center Design Options. The following
summarizes the vision for the Town Center:
“The village is a preeminent North Shore destination with a unique

and remarkably vibrant village center. The village continues to be
a core commercial center in the west end of Cook County with a
strong commercial and public service hub and a mix of housing.
This commercial center has a village core that extends inland
providing basic services for local residents as well as services
that compliment the seasonal residents and visitors to the area.
New community facilities such as an outdoor concert space and
amphitheater provide a space for local residents and visitors to
gather and enjoy many community activities.
The village has innovative, shared sewer systems and water

supply systems that protect its natural resources.
There is an interconnected sense of place from the gateway to

the village, following the Shore to Tofte Park, winding through the
main commercial center to the western edge of the village. This
village way passes through the village weaving along, providing
glimpses of the Lake as well as places to connect with the
water.
Visitors and residents alike, share the history of Tofte, by walking

along a marked historical tour through the village passing by the
Tofte Park, the restored dock and the expanded fishing museum.
At its heart stands the Tofte Commercial Fishing Museum
interpreting Tofte’s heritage and exploring the evolution of the
village of Tofte. The village of Tofte finds its inspiration from its
fishing and logging heritage creating a concentrated village core
which anchors Tofte’s sense of place.
The Town of Tofte along with MNDOT received a National Design

award for their Creative Village Main Street design incorporating
a village core while providing an efficient, safe route through the
village. The roadway has been designed to enhance safety, is
consistent with the scale of the village, and preserves the natural
beauty along the Scenic By-Way.”
T H E C O M P R E H E N S I V E P L A N
19
Opportunities and Constraints

After a comprehensive plan review, several programming meetings, and Natural Resources
design review meetings, the following opportunities and constraints were Brownfield potential in the salvage yard
identified: Impacts on wetlands
Impacts on water quality
Infrastructure Issues:
Maintaining and enhancing the character of the town’s natural
Safety for pedestrians along and crossing Highway 61
heritage
Ability for Highway 61 to function as a regional transportation
Promotion of storm water infiltration
road
Use of ditches where possible
Interconnections within the community including pedestrian
paths Use of native plants
Location of Gitchi Gami Trail to maximize benefits to the
community and all users
Review zoning code to concentrate development and limit strip
development along the new highway alignments
Impact of the Highway 61 realignment on property owners.
Impact on current highway-oriented businesses
Impact of realignment of Highway 61 on County and Town roads
and the responsibility for ongoing maintenance
Adequate parking
Storm water and sanitary sewer capacities
Costs of infrastructure improvements and sources of funding
Commercial Opportunities:
Amount of new commercial space
Effect of Town Center designs on property owners
Concentration of new business development
A new business center that attracts a variety of business types,
not only tourism based
Community Character
Potential for civic spaces
Connection of Town centers with the waterfront
The redesign of some of the existing businesses to support the
town center
Maintaining and enhancing Tofte’s village character and cultural
heritage
Maintain and enhance natural character in town core areas
New signs based on existing character of Tofte
O P P O R T U N I T I E S A N D C O N S T R A I N T S
21
T HE S ETTIN G
REGION
TOWNSHIP
COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY: A CLOSER LOOK
PHOTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
T HE S ETTIN G
The Region
Tofte is located in the west end of Cook County along the North Shore of services, resorts, and cabin accommodations for visitors.
Lake Superior about 90 miles northeast of Duluth, MN. Native Americans
Tofte has a wealth of natural resources. Lake Superior, vast forested tracts,
arrived on the North Shore shortly after the retreat of the last glaciers 12,000
inland lakes and streams have very limited development on them and are
years ago. French explorers and voyageurs arrived about 350 years ago.
homes to healthy populations of various plant and animal communities.
Tofte’s European white settlement began in 1893 when three Norwegian
fishermen settled in the area. Brothers Andrew and John Tofte and their Tofte is in the coniferous biome. Over the years the landscape has been
brother-in-law Hans Engelson sold lake trout and bluefin to markets in formed by natural forces such as wildfire, insects, and other natural
Duluth, the Twin Cities, and Chicago. The Tofte pier was an important change agents. With European settlement, the natural environment has
landing point for travelers and commerce before the communities along been altered through logging, road and trail construction, trapping, and
the North Shore were connected by road. The North Shore Commercial other human activities such as fire suppression. However, natural forces
Fishing Museum, a replica of the original twin fish houses, tells the story today still continue to have a significant role in shaping the environment.
of commercial fishermen on Lake Superior.
A continental divide separates Tofte into two major watersheds. One
The Scandinavian influence in Tofte is reflected in its buildings that have flows north into the Hudson Bay via the Rainy Lake Watershed, and the
steep roofs to shed snow. The buildings also reflect a usage of material other into Lake Superior. There are numerous smaller watersheds. The
native to the area. In addition, these Scandinavian influenced buildings Temperance River watershed is one of the relatively large watersheds in
reflect clean, simple utilitarian lines. At the turn of the century, logging the County draining about 18,600 acres.
was a mainstay of the area’s local economy. There are numerous remnants
of old logging railroads inland from the Shore. In fact, early railroad beds Lake Superior is the world’s largest body of freshwater, containing over
now serve as roads. 10% of the total surface freshwater on earth. Most of its shoreline is
forested and rocky.
Tofte, with its prominent “Welcome to Superior National Forest” sign is
a gateway to the National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Source: Town of Tofte Comprehensive Community Plan, February 10,
Wilderness. The Town is also a gateway in terms of providing outfitting 2005.
REGION
25
T HE S ETTIN G
Township Current Zoning

Tofte Township extends from the shore of Lake Superior over 24 miles Currently, about 98% of the land use in the Township is in Forest -
inland into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) Agricultural -Recreational land use. The remainder of the land uses are
covering over 164 square miles. The majority of the residents live along residential (R1), commercial (GC), and resort / commercial (RC/R) and
the North Shore within three miles of the Lake. This is primarily function Lakeshore Residential (LSR) predominately along the shore of Lake
of public land ownership as well as the location of infrastructure and early Superior. In terms of land use, the significant variable for providing
settlement patterns. opportunities for housing as well as other development is the amount of
available private land for development.
The population of Tofte, according to the 2000 census is 226. The 1990
Census indicated that Tofte’s population was 231, a very slight loss in The area looked at as a possible town center has approximately 130 acres
population. In general, Cook County has experienced an increase in of General Commercial area; Resort Commercial / Residential comprising
population, although it appears that Tofte is basically stable at around 230 about 265 acres and Residential comprising 1,260 acres.
people.
The Town of Tofte also has a Design Review District that provides
Land use, jobs, and the ability for a community to grow are all strongly tied direction for all new commercial development and modification of existing
to housing. A community’s future, its health, wealth, and vitality are also development. These design review district guidelines will need to be
interwoven with a community’s housing availability. The community has reviewed in light of any decision made regarding the Tofte Town Center.
and does recognize the need for affordable housing for all its residents.
In addition to the zoning classification of the commercial area, the
The average value of new housing has risen from $38,000 in 1990 to
dimensional standards, permitted uses, and performance standards are
$80,000 in 1994 and continues to rise today.
very important in achieving a compact Town Center. These standards will
The major access going inland is the Sawbill Trail winding northward for need to be reviewed to see if they will provide the standards necessary to
23 miles and terminating at Sawbill Lake, and entry point to the BWCAW. achieve the desired Town Center.
The only inland commercial business is an outfitter at Sawbill Lake. East/
west access is the “600 Road” and Cook County 3 and FR 165. These
inland roads serve for timber hauling and in the Fall are very important for
Fall Color Tours. Driving any of these roads in the inland area provides
many opportunities for wildlife viewing.
There are many hiking, skiing, and snowmobile trails in Tofte Township.
Snowmobile Trail access is provided adjacent to the Temperance River
State Park. The Superior Hiking Trail runs along the ridge and provides
many scenic viewing opportunities. The Sugar Bush Ski Trail provides
cross-country skiing opportunities. There are many old logging roads
providing hunting, hiking, and bicycling opportunities. There is a lake-walk
trail following the shoreline that will eventually connect to Tofte Town
Park In addition, the Township has thousands of acres of land to simply
walk in the woods..
Currently all of the sewage treatment on residential and commercial

properties is done by individual systems. Tofte is a member of the Tofte
Schroeder Sanitary District (TSSD). This group has explored options for
sewage treatment systems and is continuing to do so.
Source: Town of Tofte Comprehensive Community Plan, February 10,

2005.
SOUTHERN TOFTE TOWNSHIP CURRENT ZONING
TOWNSHIP
27
T HE S ETTIN G
Community
Tofte’s “Community Core” was defined as the corridor along Highway Birch Grove School is a focal point for the community. As well as being
61 from the United States Forest Service pull out on the west end to a school, it serves as a community center where residents can use the
the storage garage on the east end. It is these areas that experience facilities for meetings and other gatherings. It also has a computer lab
transitions from natural and undeveloped to the developed area of the available for residents’ use. In addition, once a week, it provides space for
town. The geographic extent that relates closely to this core extends west a health clinic. There is also a youth hostel located in the School.
to Temperance River State Park, north along the Sawbill Trail, Carlton
Source: Town of Tofte Comprehensive Community Plan, February 10,
Peak and Lake Superior. Within this zone, two areas of town center
2005.
concentration were identified during the public meeting process. The
areas focused around:
The Post Office Town Hall and Holiday Gas Station on the West
side and,
The North shore Market, Coho Café, and Water’s Edge on the
East Side.
A third key area was identified by the community as the area between the
centers along Tofte Bay. This stretch is a thin band of land that consists
of:
Highway 61,
Beach,
Lake Walk and,
Wetland Area North of the Highway.
Tofte Bay is an area of major concern to the community because of its lack
of land base along side Highway 61, circulation safety, and the existing
vistas of Lake Superior.
Carlton Peak, rising above the settlement of Tofte is the highest peak
on the North Shore. It rises 927 feet above Lake Superior and 1,529
feet above sea level. At the turn of the century, the peak was owned by
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing as a possible source for abrasives.
Subsequently, a quarry on the south side of the peak supplied the material
for the Taconite Harbor breakwater.
The U.S. Forest Service Ranger Station in Tofte has a number of the log
buildings that were constructed by the Minnesota Civilian Conservation
Corps and are still used as residences. Inland, logging camps, and the
Sawbill CCC Camp were also built with roughhewn logs and timber planks.
Only remnants of the foundations of the CCC Camp remain today.
Tofte maintains picnic facilities and a public boat launch in the Tofte Town
Park and celebrates its heritage with a fireworks display every Fourth
of July. The Park, with its pedestrian bridge and wishing well are fine
examples of cobblestone masonry. As with most of the public services in
Tofte volunteers do the maintenance of the park, which reflects the active
civic life of the community.
Temperance River State Park, on the west side of Tofte was established
in 1957. It offers camping, hiking, skiing, and swimming.
ANALYSIS
SAWBILL TRAIL
AREAS ZONED
COMMERCIAL
SNOWMOBILE (RED)
TRAIL
GITCHI GAMI
TRAIL
SUPERIOR HIKING
TRAIL
TEMPERANCE RIVER
STATE PARK
AREAS FOR
TOWN CENTER
DEVELOPMENT
(ORANGE)
TOWN CENTERS
SUPERIOR WATER TRAIL
GITCHI GAMI TRAIL
HIGHWAY 61
COMMUNITY 29
T HE S ETTIN G
Community: A Closer Look

Tofte has a unique collection of amenities.. Some of these resources
are concentrated in two areas that the community has identified as the
areas that feel like town centers. Although many amenities exist across
the town, many are poorly connected. Better connections between the
town centers and the various amenities in town were identified as major
programmatic elements to be addressed in the design work.
Due to the lack of available land for a town center, finding a land-base to
explore town center designs became a crucial component of the project.
The areas identified in meetings were:
The Tofte Homestead Parcel,
Post Office Parcel,
Private land on the west side of the Sawbill Trail and,
The Salvage Yard Parcel.
With the goal of concentrating development around the two existing town
centers and limiting the spread of commercial development through out
the Highway 61 Corridor, these areas provided the best opportunities to
explore town center designs.
SALVAGE YARD
PRIVATE LAND AVAILABLE

FOR REDEVELOPMENT
POST OFFICE
TOFTE HOMESTEAD
C O M M U N I T Y : A C L O S E R L O O K
31
T HE S ETTIN G
Ray Berglund Wayside Rest Lake Superior Shoreline

Berglund Wayside Rest is located near the Onion River at the East side of This view depicts the shoreline character in the Tofte area.
Tofte Township. It marks the entrance into Tofte and could be the location
of a new town sign.
Superior Hiking Trail Trailhead Temperance River State Park

The Trailhead on the Sawbill Trail inland from Highway 61 is for the Carlton Temperence River has two campgrounds, one on each side of the river.
Peak Hiking Trail, a popular local trail. This is a typical trail sign; it provides Both campgrounds are closer to Lake Superior than most other state park
mileage for key trail routes. campgrounds near the lake. Besides the “bar-less” mouth of the river,
Temperance River has three waterfalls which can be reached by footpath.
The park features unique stream eroded river course showcasing North
Shore’s geology. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperance_River_State_
Park
Tofte Park and Boat Launch
Tofte Park offers a unique public park along the North Shore. The
park provides water access and staging dock, pavillion, interpretative
information, and the lake walk path.
Carlton Peak
Carlton Peak is one of the most dramatic mountain peaks along the
Eastbound View Along Highway 61 North Shore of Lake Superior. This Forest Service viewing pulloff shows
This view from Highway 61 at Town Center West shows the natural the pronounced cliff edge that shapes the north side of the ridge. This
character of the community, its wide ditches, and its commercial formation and a lower sloping south face create a sawtooth form, the
development. Sawtooth Mountains’ namesake.
OBLIQUE PHOTOGRAPHS
Ray Berglund Wayside Rest
Lake Superior Shoreline
Superior Hiking Trail Trailhead
Temperance River
Park and Boat Launch
Carlton Peak
Eastbound View Along Highway 61

P H O T O G R A P H I C A N A L Y S I S
33
T HE S ETTIN G
Coho Café and Water’s Edge Commercial Fishing Museum

The Coho Café and Water’s Edge Trading Company along with the The only museum dedicated to fishing on the North Shore, the Commercial
Northshore Market and Bottle Shop and Commercial Fishing Museam Fishing Museum has historic commercial fishing boats, indoor displays,
form the existing Tofte Town Center East, the major commercial center and a giftshop. Built to resemble a historic fishing structure, the building
in town. and the displays express the cultural heritage of the area.
Northshore Market and Bottle Shop Unique Rock Detail

These stores are the major markets for western Cook County and eastern These rock details were constructed by a local resident from various types
Lake County. They are important parts of Tofte’s existing town center of beach rock. They are a design unique to Tofte.
east.
Post Office
The anchor of Town Center West, the post office, is an active civic place
in the Town Center West.
OBLIQUE PHOTOGRAPHS
Coho Café and Water’s Edge Commercial Fishing Museum
Unique Rock
Northshore Market and Bottle Shop Post Office
P H O T O G R A P H I C A N A L Y S I S
35
T O F T E TOW N C EN TE R DESIG N O PTIONS
OVERVIEW
TOWN PLAN
CURRENT DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS
TOFTE TOWN SQUARE
TOFTE HILLS
NEXT STEPS
O V E R VIEW
Three design options were explored in the study. They are:

Current Development Patterns, which looks at the potential
for development if Highway 61 were to stay in its current
alignment,
Tofte Town Square, which looks at the potential if the highway
were moved away from the lake in the vicinity of the local
businesses, and
Tofte Hills, which looks at the potential for creating a town center
west of the highway.
Areas of Concentrated Design Work
The design work concentrated on three key areas in town:
Town Center West, the area around the town hall and the post
office;
Tofte Bay, the highway and the narrow strip of land that connects
the two town centers; and
Town Center East, the main area of local businesses.
Issues Addressed:
Each design option responds to the vision articulated in the Tofte Town
Comprehensive Plan and during the Community Design Process in different
ways; there are tradeoffs with each option. Each option:
Provides for future growth while keeping and strengthening the
village nature of the community,
Addresses the circulation problems created by the current need
to use the highway as the only connecting street in town by
providing additional non-highway based circulation within the
community,
Recognizes that Tofte has two areas of commercial and civic
activity,
Recognizes the importance of the narrow strip of land along the
lakefront,
Protects the town’s scenic beauty and cultural assets by
accommodating economic development and growth in two
concentrated village cores in a way that is environmentally
sensitive and supportive of the goal of future sustainability,
Minimizes the safety concerns associated with Highway 61 by
addressing the rebuilding and realignment of Highway 61, and
Addresses the safety issues associated with the Sawbill Trail
intersection.
AREAS OF DETAILED DESIGN
TOWN CENTER EAST
TOFTE BAY
TOWN CENTER WEST
OVERVIEW
39
TOWN PLAN
The Town of Tofte Comprehensive Community Plan and the Tofte Town
Center Design Project are two community driven projects that empower
the community in decision-making processes and allow the community
to respond to the changing conditions that impact the landscape and the
town’s character. The Tofte Town Plan offers a design that enhances a
sense of community, defines the community’s edges, and defines the
town core. Highway 61 and the Gitchi Gami Trail act as the major linear
systems in Tofte, supporting town center creation and promoting safer
circulation. The plan’s major attributes are:
Town Edge Area,
Tofte Town Center West,
Road Crosswalks,
Gitchi Gami Trail,
Tofte Bay,
A New Sawbill Trail Intersection, and
Tofte Town Center East.
These attributes create a larger area of reduced speed, especially near

the school, and better pedestrian circulation supported by the new Gitchi
Gami Trail. Key crosswalks are limited based on need and future town
center expansion and enhancement. Safety is improved by pavement
striping, signs, and reduced speed. The commercial zone marks the area
of eventual development that could occur across the Town of Tofte under
the community’s current zoning. The Town Center East and Town Center
West are areas where future development could be concentrated to
secure economic sustainability and enhance town character.
T O W N P L A N
41
Future Development Under Current

Conditions Overview
In this option the design explorations depict development in Tofte based
on only available property identified in the design process. No mechanism
currently exists to direct development throughout the town in areas
zoned for commercial development. The eventual pattern may reflect the
change from residential property to the type of strip development shown
in the “Current Development Patterns: Town Center East” design. The
work provides an option for comparison with the other design options as
requested by the community.
AREAS OF TOWN CENTER
DEVELOPMENT (ORANGE)
PROPOSED AUTOMOBILE
SAWBILL TRAIL CIRCULATION
PRIVATE LAND: AREA OF HIGHWAY 61

TOWN CENTER DEVELOPMENT
GITCHI GAMI
TRAIL
POST OFFICE
LAKEWALK TRAIL
HIGHWAY 61
TOWN HALL
AREA OF TOWN CENTER

DEVELOPMENT
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT UNDER CURRENT CONDITIONS OVERVIEW

43
Town Center West

The Future Development Under Current Conditions option leaves the
existing residential properties as is. Because some residences are in areas
that are zoned commercial, over time they may become businesses. The
Tofte Homestead is opened up as a commercial center with its own parking.
A new Highway 61 design based on the last Minnesota Department of
Transportation design proposal has:
A forty mph road with a 55-foot road width;

A 50-foot clear zone on each side of the road with no trees;
A four-lane road with a center turn lane, alternating right turn
lanes at intersections, and two through lanes which make the
road five lanes wide in some areas;
Curbs and gutters that separate the highway from the sidewalks
on both sides of the road; and
The Gitchi Gami Trail serving as the sidewalk on the lakeside of
the highway.
EXISTING CONDITIONS PROPOSED AND EXISTING CIRCULATION

TOWN CENTER WEST
45
Tofte Bay
A new Highway 61 design based on the last MN DOT proposed design:
Reduces the pavement to a 45-foot road width,
Creates 2 lanes of traffic with a yellow stripped center lane,
Continues the current 40 mph speed zone,
Shifts the road alignment 20 feet north of the current alignment,
and
Sites the new Gitchi Gami Trail on the lakeside of the road.

TOFTE BAY
47
Town Center East

The Highway 61 design based on the latest MnDOT proposed design:
Calls for a 40mph road with a 55-foot road width;
Has a 50-foot clear zone on each side of the road with no trees;
Is a 4-lane road with a center left turn lane, alternating right turn
lanes, and 2 through lanes;
Realigns the highway/Sawbill Trail intersection to make it a 90

degree intersection;
Locates commercial development at the northwest corner of the
Sawbill Trail and Highway 61,
Encourages major strip development with Highway 61 frontage
on the current salvage yard land;
Creates a potential for resort development in the northern part of
the salvage yard: and
Sites the Gitchi Gami Trail along the lakeside of Highway 61.

T O W N C E N T E R E A S T
49
Composite
The design drawing on page 51 shows the character of each focus area
and how each focus area relates to the other two.
The Town Center West has fragmented development; its parts to

not add up to a greater whole. Nor does this option take advantage
of the civic buildings to make a memorable public place.
In the Tofte Bay segment the highway, the Gitchi Gami Trail, and
the Lake Walk do link the two town centers, but there is very little
public space along the bay and the Gitchi Gami Trail is located in a
tight space right beside the busy, 40 mph 55 foot wide highway.
The development in Town Center East does not resolve many
of the problems and concerns such as separation and auto
domination identified in the Tofte Town Plan and in the public
meetings during this design project. This center remains car,
not people dominated. The separate elements remain separate
and the new development is separate also. The opportunity to
build on the center’s existing amenities to make a public people-
friendly place is lost.
RESORT AND COMMERCIAL

DEVELOPMENT
COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
NEW HIGHWAY 61
GITCHI GAMI TRAIL
NEW COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT
COMPOSITE
51
TOFTE TOWN SQUARE
Tofte Town Square Design Option
Overview
In this option the Gitchi Gami Trail and the Lake Walk along Tofte Bay Tofte; and
connect the centers. This design builds on the existing food market, Provides for signature gateway sign to the Sawbill Trail that can
restaurant, museum, and gift shop to create the town’s main commercial become a template for all North Shore United States Forest
center east of Tofte Bay. Along the bay more public space is created by Service trails to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
shifting Highway 61 away from the lake and realigning the Sawbill Trail
intersection. West of the bay a public and commercial space is created in
a smaller cluster around the post office and the town hall. Challenges, Constraints, and Issues
The Town Square Option uses both the former highway right of way A design for a town square had to respond to the following challenges,
adjacent to the Coho Café and North Shore Market and the existing open issues, and constraints. They are:
space around the post office and the town hall to organize two public
Tofte’s topography limits where the road can be placed because
spaces that form the heart of Town Square East and Town Square West.
there is a need to keep the road grade at 5% or less.
The new Highway 61/Sawbill Trail intersection needs to be a 90
Opportunities
degree intersection to address safety issues.
The Town Square Option addresses the following opportunities. It: Bedrock issues limit the potential highway alignments.
Provides space to design two unified Town Centers that

There are wetland conditions north of the existing highway at
accommodate current needs and provide for future concentrated

Tofte Bay.
development;
Property ownership issues of impact and acquisition exist with
Creates a new Town Center East around the North Shore Market,
realignment.
Coho Café, and Commercial Fishing Museum that is more

Safety issues for pedestrians on Highway 61 are created by a lack
connected to the waterfront;

of any controlled intersections.
Creates a new Town Center West by designing a public space

Because the highway has conflicting uses; it functions both
around the post office and town hall and providing for new
as the major regional commercial artery and a major national
commercial development on the adjacent historic properties;

scenic byway, a new highway alignment raises issues of strip
Creates new highway frontage;

development unless revised town zoning concentrates new
development.
Improves the pedestrian circulation with a roadside trail that
connects the Town Center West businesses;

There is a need to adequate manage storm water runoff from
impermeable surfaces.
Provides additional spaces for public parking in the town
centers;
New Town Centers will require new infrastructure investments.
Connects the existing trail systems in the region to the town

Limited space and conflict of uses exist around the post office
center with a spur trail;

that limit designs for Town Center West.
Creates a Gitchi Gami Trail trailhead as a focal point in the town

A redesign of some private business property will be needed to
center;
create a cohesive Town Center East.
Improves local circulation for residents by making County Road

Ownership of a new road for the Town Center East area needs
29 a local road parallel to Highway 61;

to be resolved.
Creates a new land for the public waterfront/open green space for
There is a need to provide for adequate parking in the town
gathering and community events that strengthens the connection

centers.
between Town Center East and Town Center West;

Potential brownfield concerns in the salvage yard area need to be
Traffic is slowed and pedestrian safety improved by the street

addressed.
design;
The alignment of the Gitchi-Gami Trail along the existing Highway
61 is improved for user safety and for access to the new waterfront
space;
Provides better water access for pedestrians;
Improves Tofte’s identity through new signs at the entrances to
AREAS OF TOWN
CENTER DEVELOP
MENT (ORANGE)
SAWBILL TRAIL
HIGHWAY 61
GITCHI GAMI
TRAIL
HIGHWAY 61
NEW COUNTY ROAD 29 ACCESS
TOFTE TOWN SQUARE

TOWN CENTER EAST
LAKE WALK AND OTHER TRAILS
NEW AUTOMOBILE CIRCULATION
TOFTE TOWN SQUARE

TOWN CENTER WEST
AREA OF TOWN CENTER

TOFTE TOWN SQUARE DESIGN OPTION OVERVIEW 53

TOFTE TOWN SQUARE
Town Center West

Town Center West makes the area around the post office and the town Existing post office parking and circulation stay as is,
hall a civic precinct by creating a new town green and public plaza as the A new public plaza with parking at the town hall, and
heart of this public space. The design also provides for existing and future A pedestrian network that connects the existing paths to current
adjacent businesses by accommodating their parking needs. This newly retail, future retail, and the town hall, the community’s major civic
defined public place is composed of: institution.
A new green space by the post office,
A public plaza connecting the post office, the green space, and
Highway 61,
A Gitchi Gami Trail trailhead,
New highway frontage,
Public parking,
A new road that connects the Tofte Homestead, post office, town
hall, and Tofte Park,
Walkways that connect the various town center areas that
improve pedestrian circulation throughout,
A tree lined walkway to Tofte Park that has views of the lake,
A new highway design with three 12’ lanes and 4’ shoulders,
A new Highway. 61 cross walk at the Holiday Gas Station,
A sidewalk that connects Holiday Gas Station to the bank,
Landscaping for the Tofte Homestead commercial area,
New access to the telecommunications building,

55
TOWN CENTER WEST
TOFTE TOWN SQUARE
Tofte Bay
Realigning the highway north away from the lake creates public space and
opportunities along Tofte Bay. Features of the design of this important
link include:
Siting the Gitchi Gami State Trail to overlook Tofte Bay and to
connect the two town centers,
A boulevard, bollards, and a change in grade that separates the
Gitchi Gami Trail from the highway,
Superior Terraces, new public green space along the waterfront
for public activities such as performances and watching fireworks,
is created,
A boardwalk that can be expanded with overlooks and stopping
places,
Low grass and wildflower plantings reduce erosion and maintain
existing lake views,
A 3 lane road that narrows to two 12-foot lanes with 6-foot
shoulders, and
Native North Shore meadow and forest plants that extend the
natural environment to the lakefront.

TOFTE BAY
57
TOFTE TOWN SQUARE
Town Center East

The new Town Center East is created by the existing intersection of the Makes the Town Center East a destination for local and visitor
Sawbill Trail and Highway 61. This major center of commercial activity in trail users,
the town: Anchors the entrance road with the Gitchi Gami Trailhead,
Provides a new access to the lakefront via a footpath,
Makes a safer 90-degree Sawbill Trail/highway intersection the
Integrates the public plaza, public green space, commercial/retail
gateway into the town center,
space and new circulation pattern into a new pedestrian-friendly
Improves safety by reducing the number of access points to

system,
Highway 61 from 11 to 4 and making the road have three 12-foot
Removes the fuel service from the North Shore Market and
lanes and 4-foot shoulders,
relocates it to a new area with highway visibility and greatly
Maintains right hand turn lanes at the western town center access
improved access, and
and the Sawbill Trail,
Alters the intersection with County Road 29 to prevent unsafe
Locates new town signs at the “Town Square” intersections and

access points to Highway 61.
the Sawbill intersection,
Removes Highway 61 from its current location and relocates it
north of the North Shore Market to provide a space for a village-
scale town center with a “Town Square” that concentrates
current and future businesses, provides settings for the museum
and a new trailhead, and provides for more visitor parking,
Extends the natural environment with dense forest and meadow
plantings,
Makes the Gitchi Gami Trail a major feature,

T O W N C E N T E R E A S T
59
TOFTE TOWN SQUARE
Illustrative Locator
SECTION
PERSPECTIVE
TOFTE TOWN SQUARE

ILLUSTRATIVES
61
TOFTE TOWN SQUARE
Composite
The Tofte Town Square design drawing on page 55 shows the character of
each focus area and how each focus area relates to the other two.
New plantings and pedestrian and automobile circulation

accommodate a variety of uses, connect the separate buildings
and spaces, and structure this site to be Town Center West, a
memorable civic space for the community. Pedestrians, cyclists,
and car drivers are accommodated.
In the Tofte Bay segment the Gitchi Gami Trail is buffered from
the busy, 30 mph 36 foot wide highway by a 4-foot boulevard.
A public lakeshore ceremonial space and circulation system to
Town Center East links the lake to the commercial/cultural area.
In Tofte Town Square design the town center is connected to the
lake. The highway is moved away from the lake to provide for a
green village square that reinforces Tofte’s North Shore, North
Woods identity and defines it as a special destination along the
shore.
Concentrated activity accommodates the existing commercial
while providing for future village-scale growth and pedestrian,
cyclist, and automobile systems provide access throughout.
TOFTE TOWN SQUARE
SAWBILL TRAIL
HIGHWAY 61
TOFTE TOWN SQUARE

TOWN CENTER EAST
GITCHI GAMI TRAIL
NEW CIVIC CENTER

TOWN CENTER WEST
COMPOSITE
63
T O FT E H IL L S
Tofte Hills Design Option Overview

The Tofte Hills design keeps Highway 61 in its current right of way and There is limited space and conflict of uses in the Town Center
looks at the lands available east and west of the Sawbill Trail intersection West,
as areas for the new Town Center East. The “Tofte Hills” design aims No land would be available for public waterfront space,
to create a traditional hillside town by placing it into the surrounding Commercial traffic would still be an issue on Highway 61,
landscape. The availability of private land needed for the center is an issue,
There will be a need to adequately manage storm water runoff,
Opportunities The new Town Centers will require an investment in
The Tofte Hills design addresses the following opportunities: infrastructure,
The limited availability of suitable land to provide for parking in the
Preserves most of the current properties,
town centers, and
Provides space for the new Town Center East on the salvage yard
Unknown brownfield conditions may exist in the salvage yard
property,
areas.
Makes the new Town Center West a civic center by a site design
that connects the post office and the community center to new
businesses on adjacent properties,
Provides new public parking in the town centers,
Improve pedestrian circulation throughout the town with new
trails,
Increases public space along the waterfront that could provide
additional opportunities for interpretation,
Improves connections between the two town centers,
Reinforces Tofte as a destination for visitors,
Creates trail access for town residents,
Changes the road alignment to allow space for a roadside trail,
Improves safety at road and driveway intersections with Highway
61,
Widens the road to accommodate turning lanes,
Proposes a 30mph speed limit through the town centers,
Provides new signs at the eastern and western edges of town,
and
Creates a new Sawbill Trail gateway sign that can become a
template for all North Shore United States Forest Service Trails to
the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Challenges, Constraints, and Issues

A design for the Tofte Hills design had to respond to the following
challenges, issues, and constraints:
There is limited space along Highway 61 for a safe trail,
Pedestrian safely crossing Highway 61 is a major concern,
Walking and cycling are challenging because of limited space and
a poor connection between the town centers,
The land available for Town Center East would be disconnected,
AREAS OF TOWN
CENTER DEVELOP
MENT (ORANGE)
SAWBILL TRAIL
HIGHWAY 61
GITCHI GAMI
TRAIL
EXTENDED COUNTY ROAD 29 ACCESS
TOFTE HILLS
TOWN CENTER EAST
LAKE WALK AND OTHER TRAILS
NEW AUTOMOBILE CIRCULATION
TOFTE HILLS
TOWN CENTER WEST
AREAS OF TOWN CENTER
TOFTE HILLS DESIGN OPTION OVERVIEW 65

T O FT E H IL L S
Town Center West

Town Center West makes the area around the post office and the town New access to the telecommunications building,
hall a civic precinct by creating a new town green and public plaza as the Existing post office parking and circulation are not changed,
heart of this public space. The design also provides for existing and future A new public plaza with parking at the town hall, and
adjacent businesses by accommodating their parking needs. This newly A pedestrian network that completes the existing paths to
defined public place is composed of: connect current and future retail with the community’s major
civic institution.
A new green space by the post office,
A public plaza connecting the post office, the green space, and
the Highway 61,
The Gitchi Gami Trail trailhead,
New highway frontage,
Public parking,
A new road that connects the Tofte Homestead, post office, town
hall, and Tofte Park,
Walkways that connect the various town center areas improving
pedestrian circulation throughout,
A tree-lined walkway to Tofte Park that has views of the lake,
A new highway design with three 12’ lanes and 4’ shoulders,
A new Highway. 61 cross walk at the Holiday Gas Station,
A sidewalk that connects Holiday Gas Station to the bank),
Landscaping for the Tofte Homestead commercial area,

TOWN CENTER WEST
67
T O FT E H IL L S
Tofte Bay
Maintains existing lake views buy using low grass and wildflower
plantings,
Narrows the 3 lane road to two 12’ lanes with 6’ shoulders,
Extends the natural environment to the lakefront by using native
North Shore meadow and forest plantings,
Provides new locations for interpretation and an overlook at the
Lake Superior Terrace promontory, and
Shifts the highway 10 to 15 feet away from the lake to provide a
grade change between the road and the Gitchi Gami Trail.

TOFTE BAY
69
T O FT E H IL L S
Town Center East

This design: Accommodates the Tofte Vaag property, and
Extends County Road 29 to the east parallel Highway 61 to
Strengthens a small town main street environment by having new
intersect with the Sawbill Trail,
businesses front on Main Street and have patio areas and pocket
Creates a visual and an experiential separation from the highway
gardens on the town terrace green.
with the terrace green, the focal point of the new town center,
Develops a new traditional small town main street on County
Road. 29,
Concentrates mixed-use development with business and retail on
the main level and rental units above,
Reorganizes the North Shore Market by locating a new food and
fuel access on its north side by the Sawbill Trail access,
Sites the Gitchi Gami Trail on the lakeside of the highway,
Create new major crosswalks for Highway 61 that are called out
by painted paving and signs,
Reorganizes Coho Café/Water’s Edge parking into a safer
configuration,
Provides internal, not highway circulation that eliminates the
need for Tofte residents to travel on Highway 61 when moving
around Tofte,
Provides traditional street front housing along the extended
County Road 29,

TOWN CENTER EAST
71
T O FT E H IL L S
Illustrative Locator
SECTION
ELEVATION
TOFTE HILLS
ILLUSTRATIVES
73
T O FT E H IL L S
Composite
The Tofte Hills design drawing on page 75 shows the character of each
focus area and how each focus area relates to the other two.
Town Center West is the same as the one shown in the Tofte Town
Center design. New plantings and pedestrian and automobile
circulation accommodate a variety of uses, connect the separate
buildings and spaces, and structure this site to be Town Center
West, a memorable civic space for the community. Pedestrians,
cyclists, and car drivers are accommodated.
T O FT E HI L L S
SAWBILL TRAIL
TOFTE HILLS
TOWN CENTER EAST
NEW HIGHWAY 61
GITCHI GAMI TRAIL
NEW CIVIC AREA

TOWN CENTER WEST
COMPOSITE
75
N E X T STEPS
Completing the Town Center Planning

Process
The Town Board will continue working with the community to select the
preferred Town Center design.
Implementing the Town Center Plan

Implementing the recommendations will require the Town to work with a
number of agencies to make the Town Center a reality:
The next immediate step is to work with Cook County in reviewing
the current zoning regulations for the Tofte Town Center and
immediately adjacent areas to determine if there needs to be
modifications to the current zoning in order to achieve the desired
Town Center as well as other visions from the Comprehensive
Plan.
The Town will need to review the Tofte Design Guidelines and
the Guideline District boundaries.
The Town will need to actively participate in MNDOT’s planning
process for re-building Highway 61. They will also need to
advocate for the recommended Town Center designs during this
process.
The Town will need to work with the Tofte Schroeder Sanitary
District to determine the sewer requirements associated with the
recommended Town Center Plan.
The Town will need to work with a number or entities to secure
funding for various aspects of the Town Center Plan. This
includes seeking grants as well as advocating for monies with
county, state, and Federal officials.
AP P E N D IC ES
APPENDIX A: STEERING COMMITTEE
APPENDIX B: JULY 2005 SURVEY
APPENDIX C: SUMMARY OF COMMENTS
APPENDIX D: TOFTE TOWN CENTER SURVEY, SEPTEMBER 2006
APPENDIX E: GOALS AND POLICIES
APPENDIX F: ZONING MAP
A PPENDIX G: PRELIMINARY DESIGN BOARDS
APPENDIX H: FINAL DESIGN BOARDS

S TEER I NG C OM MITTEE
Bill Hansen
Bill Huggins
Bruce Martinson
Clinton Little
Dennis Rhysdahl
Diane Norman
Evanna Judkins
Jan Horak
Jeff Lynch
Jill Sanders
Joe Sanders
John Wytanis
Kevin Johnson
Marge Wytanis
Nancy Iverson
Pamela Kirsten
Paul James
Rob Buntz
Rod Garver
Roger Mickelson
Scott Berry
Scott Godin
Tammy Rude
Tim Norman
Tom Peterson
80 APPENDIX A: STEERING COMMITTEE
A Vision for
A Tofte Village Center
(a potential focal point for Tofte business and community activities)
Please answer each question and put your completed survey form in the ballot box.
Additional comments and suggestions are welcomed and can be continued on the reverse side.
1. How familiar are you with Tofte’s Comprehensive Community Plan that was recently adopted?
[ ] not aware of this plan
[ ] aware but not familiar with this plan
[ ] aware and somewhat familiar with this plan
[ ] aware and quite familiar with this plan
2. Are you aware that one project identified in the Comprehensive Community Plan is to identify and
plan for a Tofte Village Center? (a potential focal point for Tofte business and community activities)
[ ] yes
[ ] no
3. What would be the best location for a Tofte Village Center?
_____________________________________________________________________
4. Are you interested in joining the Steering Committee to plan a Tofte Village Center?
[ ] No
[ ] Yes – if so, please sign up on the clip board on the table.
The next meeting of the Steering Committee will be this fall (to be announced).
5. Where is your main residence?
[ ] within the village area of Tofte
[ ] in Tofte Township but outside Tofte village area
Other (please specify) ___________________________________________
Thank you for your response. Please fold and put this completed form in the ballot box.
A P P E N D I X B : J U L Y 4 T H SURVEY 81
COMMENTS, IDEAS, VISIONS FROM JULY 4TH SURVEY AND OCTOBER
25, 2005 OPEN HOUSE

Town Center -Have a square footage / big box ordinance
-Town Center by Blue Fin -Preserve green space
-Town Center by Bluefin – don’t spread things out -Need to pull things together for a sense of community
-Town center where this is room – closest to Town / hotel -Safety lighting
complex -No light pollution
-Town center near Fire Hall, already somewhat a focal point -Tighten up design review standards
-Town center –Tofte center -Setbacks for commercial buildings on highway—long distance
-Center of Tofte – not clear where Tofte begins and ends -Zero lot lines setback in town center
-Center is 61 and Sawbill Trail -Slogan from LTTA “America’s North Coast”
-Two centers market – Coho and USPO Town Hall

-Tofte takes up a lot of room – How do you tie it together?
-“Traditional Town main street may not be possible Trails / Connectivity / Roads / Highway/ Gateways
Trails
-Highway a commercial detriment now?
Uses / Aesthetics / Character -Superior Hiking Trail spur to Tofte
Uses -Trails on both sides of highway for bikes / pedestrian traffic with
-Café where locals and tourists can connect crossings – two or more crossings
-Make visitors feel like they are connected -Better connectivity through town for pedestrians
-Have festivals and activities: 4th of July Wilderness Trek, parade -Business dependant on Highway now?
fireworks -Provide trail access to Bluefin
-More places to eat -What’s on the Lake – is it inviting to trail access

-“home grown” restaurants – special and interesting -Community center school
-Number one vacation activity is shopping. Shops can entertain -Connect to Birch grove trails
visitors and provide service to locals Parking
-Hardware store would be nice
-Parking at Temperance River on roadside will be eliminated –
-Laundromat and / or car wash
where to park?—stickers and alternate parking?
-Great potential for salvage yard
-More parking space
-Redevelopment of salvage yard?

-Parking handled differently – Ten Sleep. WY
-Redevelopment of “Paniekes” property –(formerly Casey Tofte

-Plan for event parking / safety
property)
-Hide the parking from Highway view
Aesthetics / character Road Systems

-Beautiful aesthetics -Require subdivision developments to plan for a road system
-Have a theme but not Disney-like
-Grid road system
-Music, flowers etc

-Parallel streets to highway – lacking
-Maintain small town flavor -Have a street following the power line
-Horse friendly community—tie in with Taconite Harbor Highway 61
development -30 mph design speed for Highway 61 with center islands
-Cemetery as visitor attraction -Route highway around town?
-Make history accessible to people
-Speed and how it affects highway design
-No Walmart
Gateways
-No chain stores -Norwegian fishing village image at entrance and exit
-Get perspective on visitors of what makes Tofte unique -Stone entry monuments
-There needs to be more for people to do in Tofte -Bridges as gateways
-Need to develop a little more to attract and hold people -Combine SNF and Tofte visitor center at Smokey’s grave site
-Tourists want local color -- gateway
-Keep North Shore flora and fauna
82 APPENDIX C: SUMMARY OF COMMENTS
Public facilities
-Combine SNF and Tofte visitor center at Smokey’s grave site
-Public facilities with Old Erickson / Rodne House Wayside rest on
Lake side of Highway across from Erickson house
-Should Township expand Park system.. across from existing park?
Henry’s field, Coastal zone funding?
-Town park is seems to be a secret – keep it that way or promote
use?
Housing
-Economical , affordable housing is needed
-“Aspen” syndrome forcing locals out
-Land values are rising faster
-Land trusts
-Infrastructure to encourage full time housing (own or rent) ways to
help with affordable housing
-Apartment building
-Dormitory
-Build social capital to create stronger community
-Age issues: transportation and housing, services etc.
-Tofte Schroeder sanitary district—shred septic
-North Shore management regulations / planning requirements
-Lot size and relationship to affordability
Other / Cooperation
-Consolidate Lutsen-Tofte-Schroeder
-Coordinate with county on zoning issues
-Review Lutsen Town center plan for ideas for Tofte
-Co-operation with other units of government to coordinate
planning
-Eminent domain vs. cooperative planning – prefer cooperation
-Septic and waste water treatment?
APPENDIX C: SUMMARY OF COMMENTS

83
TOFTE TOWN CENTER SURVEY
SEPTEMBER 2006
IN T R ODUCTI ON
The Tofte planning process resulted in the adoption of a Comprehensive Plan, one key item of which was considering a town center. A number of public
planning meetings occurred which resulted in two primary concepts for a town center. These have been called “Tofte Town Square” and “Tofte Hills”.
Although meetings were well advertised and well attended, it was desired to have broader input from stakeholders who owned property in the Tofte area.
The one-page questionnaire focused on these two plans. Part of the questionnaire asked for preferences of paired items that dealt with some of the
differences in the two concepts. Respondents were also asked for an overall preference between the two concepts. The paired comparisons would provide
some ideas for potential tailoring of a general preference. The survey was to focus on planning preferences and not on financial considerations, which would,
of course, be a key element of further planning once a generally preferred direction was established. Responses were also anonymous; no names were
requested so that respondents might feel free to express their frank views. Comments were also solicited and a few provided letters and up to 4 pages of
comment. Respondents were also asked if Tofte was their primary residence to see if that made a difference in views.
The questionnaire was mailed by September 5th to Tofte’s list of 434 land parcel owners. A cover letter explained the planning process thus far and
requested respondent input. Conceptual drawings of these two alternatives plus other background information were provided on a web site and in print
locally. The requested response deadline was September 22nd, although responses received through the 28th were also included. As of September 28th,
118 responses were received (27%).
While all land parcel owners on the list were given an opportunity to provide their views, the results should probably be interpreted as from those who are
interested in the Tofte planning process and who wished to make their views known.
Land parcel owners in the Tofte area (the mailing list) include about 31% whose zip code was from the Tofte area, and 69% with zip codes outside the area.
Among the 118 who responded, 23% said that Tofte was their primary residence (a response rate of about 19%), and 77% said their primary residence was
elsewhere (a response rate of about 29%).
Table 1, below, shows the overall percentage response for each of the survey questions. Table 2 provides responses to questions for those with contrasting
overall preferences (Tofte Square vs. Tofte Hills). Table 3 provides the same information divided by primary residence of the respondent. Forty-one percent
of the respondents provided some additional comments (52% with Tofte as their primary residence, and 37% among those whose primary residence is
elsewhere). The 48 respondents who made comments provided some 111 comments. A summary of comments is listed in Table 4. The survey cover letter
and questionnaire are appended to this report.
RESULTS
What do respondents agree upon:
Table 1 shows that, in general, there is relatively high consensus among respondents. The ordering of items on which a majority of respondents favor a
choice is listed below. These range from nearly 4 in 5 favoring public green space and boulevard plantings along the highway to 71% preferring a town
center organized as a town square off the highway, down to 55% preferring businesses clustered on one side of the highway. On the overall choice, 68%
of respondents preferred the Tofte Town Square concept. Thus, Tofte has achieved a relatively high level of consensus on these items.
79% Prefer public green space for potential park/amphitheater on the lake for community events/picnics.
78% Prefer boulevard type plantings bordering highway 61.
71% Prefer Tofte’s town center organized around a town square off the highway.
68% Prefer not having to cross a widened highway 61 to get to businesses.
66% Prefer existing lakewalk/hiking trail going through the town center.
65% Prefer organizing business around a town square.
65% Prefer access to the lake adjacent to the town center.
64% Prefer Tofte’s main street to be local, off highway 61.
64% Prefer Tofte’s town center oriented to the lake, south of highway 61
84 APPENDIX D: TOFTE TOWN CENTER SURVEY, SEPTEMBER 2006

61% Prefer businesses separated by green space.
55% Prefer businesses clustered on one side of highway 61
68% Overall, prefer the Tofte Town Square concept (by the lake).
What is most agreed upon by those who prefer the Tofte Town Square concept.
Table 2 shows separately, the preferences of those who prefer either the Tofte Town Square or the Tofte Hills concept. Among those who prefer the Tofte Town
Square overall option, the majority preferences are shown below. Nearly all (93%) of those favoring the Tofte Town Square want to see public green space by the
lake, and 88% prefer the town center to be oriented to the lake south of the highway. Some 83% prefer access to the lake adjacent to the town center. Lowest
majority endorsement is for having businesses clustered on one side of the highway (59%) and having businesses separated by green space (55%).
93% Prefer public green space for potential park/amphitheater on the lake for community events/picnics.
88% Prefer Tofte’s town center oriented to the lake, south of highway 61
83% Prefer access to the lake adjacent to the town center.
78% Prefer existing lakewalk/hiking trail going through the town center.
77% Prefer not having to cross a widened highway 61 to get to businesses.
76% Prefer organizing business around a town square.
59% Prefer businesses clustered on one side of highway 61
What is most agreed upon by those who prefer the Tofte Hills concept.
Table 2 also shows the areas of consensus among those who prefer the Tofte Hills concept. These are listed in order, below. About 88% of those who prefer the
Tofte Hills concept prefer the town center to be away from the lake. Nearly three-quarters prefer businesses separated by green space and prefer access to the lake
to be separated from a town center. About half prefer businesses along both sides of highway 61 and there is an even split on the choice of crossing or not crossing
the highway to get to businesses and on the location of public green space. There is somewhat less consensus among those who prefer the Tofte Hills concept.
88% Prefer Tofte’s town center located away from the lake, north of highway 61
73% Prefer access to the lake separated from the town center.
64% Prefer existing lakewalk/hiking trail away from the town center.
56% Prefer business laid out in a linear fashion along city streets.
50% Prefer businesses along both sides of highway 61
50% Prefer not having (and having) to cross a widened highway 61 to get to businesses.
48% Prefer public green space for potential park/amphitheater on the lake (or above highway 61) for community
events/picnics.
Areas of relative agreement between those choosing different town center concepts:
From Table 2, it appears that a majority of those who prefer either town center concept, agree upon the following:
Tofte’s town center organized around a town square off the highway (78% and 56%).
Tofte’s main street is local, off highway 61 (70% and 53%).
Boulevard type plantings bordering highway 61 (83% and 67%).

85
Businesses separated by green space (55% and 74%).
and perhaps:
Not having to cross a widened highway 61 to get to businesses (77% and 50%).
Public green space for potential park/amphitheater on the lake for community
events/picnics (93% and 48%).
Areas of largest disagreement between those choosing different town center concepts:
Listed below are the percentage point differences on the eleven paired items between those who prefer, overall, the Tofte Hills and Tofte Town Center
concepts.
Percentage
Point Item
Difference
79% Town center oriented toward or away from the lake.
56% Lake access adjacent or separated from the town center.
45% Public green space by the lake or above highway 61.
42% Existing lakewalk/hiking trail through or separated from the town center.
35% Businesses around a town square or along city streets.
27% Town center organized around a square off the highway or along the highway.
19% Businesses separated by green space.
17% Main street being the highway or local, off the highway.
16% Boulevard plantings or grassy ditches along the highway.
12% Businesses on one or both sides of highway 61.
Tofte primary resident vs. other landowner views.
Table 3 provides a comparison of views of respondents who said that the Tofte area was their primary residence and those landowners whose primary
residence is elsewhere. There are some differences in these data although the majority view of both residence respondents is quite similar. The view of
whether businesses should be clustered on one or both sides of the highway is the apparent exception. The majority of respondents who have Tofte as a
primary residence prefer businesses on both sides of highway 61 (58%), while 59% of those with primary residence elsewhere favor businesses clustered
on one side of the highway.

87

89

91
TABLE 4
SUMMARY OF 111 COMMENTS MADE BY 48 RESPONDENTS
TOFTE TOWN CENTER SURVEY, SEPTEMBER 2006
There is little difference in preferences expressed on the survey questions between those who made comments and those who did not. The following
is a summary of the, sometimes extended, comments provided by respondents.
On Tofte Hills Concept

- Town center location north of highway is safer because there would be no need to cross highway 61.
- North location provides more room for business growth which may be needed if south location is outgrown.
- Tofte may straddle the road in any case.
- Visibility may be enhanced with north location.
- Little lakeshore now and no place to park on the lake.
- Inland encourages business diversity.
- Water’s edge and Coho should be moved to the north side of highway 61.
- Use Birch Grove as a business park.
On Tofte Town Square Concept

- Town square looks neat and attractive to visitors and residents.
- People automatically gravitate toward the lake and related businesses.
- Town Square is more pedestrian and bicycle friendly.
- Off highway, park-like setting near the lake makes Grand Marais a visitor destination.
- Will encourage business development in Tofte
- Rerouting highway with town center by lake would be safer.
Prefer Keeping Things the Same

- Prefer no development. Keep Tofte a quaint, fishing village type community.
- Keep buildings, plantings in keeping with natural setting.
- Prefer no planning and “natural” development. Planned towns are boring.
- Leave businesses where they are.
- Keep the highway as it is.
Questions Raised:
- Does town planning affect zoning and parcel size?
- What is the projected cost of both projects?
- What about sewer lines?
- What would a town center be used for?
- What about the MNDOT option?
On the Highway and Traffic:

- Lower highway speed limits (30, 35, 40 mph) with signs, enforcement.
- Have marked pedestrian crossing and flashing amber lights.
- Extend and step-down the lower speed zones through town.
- Would like to see a tunnel or bridge across the highway.
- Truck traffic often ignores limits. Highway 61 should not be a main freight route.
- Businesses should be responsible for safer, off-highway parking.
- Avoid condemnation to reroute highway.
- If the highway remains as it is, we will have gotten nothing from the planning process.
- Need jake brake law.
APPENDIX D: TOFTE TOWN CENTER SURVEY, SEPTEMBER 2006 93

- Concern about increased tourist traffic.
- Have to plan on people crossing the highway.
- Continue trail along north side of highway, crossing underneath to the south side (safe pedestrian crossing).
On Green Space:
- Prefer green space but not amphitheatre.
- Connect green space to Tofte Park.
- We already have a green space at the Tofte Park.
On Tofte as a Tourist Destination:

- Tofte will not be a tourist destination.
- Tofte is a tourist destination.
- Tofte is tourist-based economy and should provide “something different” than the usual high density and condos.
- There is a historic fish house at Sugar Beach which might be available for a lake walk attraction.
- Joe’s Salvage yard could be seen as a collector’s asset in the area (“Tofte Carhenge”).
- Hodge podge development does not attract tourists.
Other Comments:
- Locate a city center around the post office and fire hall. This is already a town center.
- Need affordable worker housing.
- Questionnaire posed difficult decisions, prefer different wording, prefer more/other questions.
- Thanks for developing the two proposals.
- Don’t make small town plans too grandiose.
- Thank you for the opportunity to reflect and respond.
Appendix A – Survey Instrument and Cover Letter
Tofte Town Board
September 5, 2006
Greetings:
Tofte residents developed a Comprehensive Plan for our area and this was approved. One of the main ideas in that plan
was the development of a focus for Tofte, a Tofte Town Center.
Over the past year, we have acquired grant funds to follow up on this vision of a Tofte Town Center. We have contracted
with the Center for Rural Planning and, with their assistance, located and hired the UofM Center for Changing Landscapes to
develop some ideas.
Ideas for a Town Center have been discussed at several planning meetings (Dec ’05, Jan ’06, May ’06) and there have
been several public information meetings (July ’05, June ’06, and Aug. ’06). The Landscape Planning Group has put together ideas
from these meetings and from meetings with MNDOT. They boil down to two main options: a Tofte Town Square concept south
of highway 61 near the lake, and a Tofte Hills concept located up the hill above highway 61 away from the lake. The conceptual
drawings for these can be seen on a web site: www.centerforruralplanning.org, and at Birchgrove School.
There are some “givens” in our planning. First, MNDOT is in the process of upgrading highway 61. Typically they have
proposed a 5-lane highway consisting of a center turn lane and side turn lanes as needed, no stop signs and reduced road access
points were possible. Truck and other traffic will probably increase but there would be speed limit signs. Development above the
highway would probably require access off the Sawbill Road. Development on the lake side would involve some moderate curving
of the road away from the lake to provide for a Town Center location, including existing businesses, public uses and green space
oriented toward the lake. There are pluses and minuses of each option, of course.
Developing a Town Center will take time and money. At this point we need to define a goal toward which to work. Some
urgency comes from MNDOT’s highway expansion plans. We need to work with them so that the highway through town takes
account of what we, as citizens of Tofte, envision as the future of our town. Federal and State funding may be available for some
parts of a plan, depending upon what we decide. There is considerable work to be done regardless of which option we ultimately
adopt. Change will happen whether we make our preferences known or not. It seems timely to decide what we ourselves envision
for Tofte.
We need your input on these two options. The enclosed questionnaire seeks your considered preferences. It is anonymous
so you can give your frank opinion. Please complete it and mail it to the Center for Rural Planning so they can summarize the results
for us. It would be most helpful to have your response by September 22nd.
Thank you for your assistance.
The Tofte Town Board
APPENDIX D: TOFTE TOWN CENTER SURVEY, SEPTEMBER 2006 95

96 APPENDIX E: TOFTE COMMUNITY PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES
APPENDIX E: TOFTE COMMUNITY PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES

97
98 APPENDIX F: ZONING MAP
APPENDIX G: PRELIMINARY DESIGNS

99
100 A PP ENDI X G: PREL IMINA RY D ESIGNS

101

103

105

107

109

111
APPENDIX H: FINAL DESIGNS

113
114 APPENDIX H: FINAL DESIGNS

115

117
APPENDIX H: FINAL DESIGNS 1119


121

123

125

Tofte Core Village Community Plan (306-12-07)

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Minnesota's Lake Superior Coastal Program

Tofte Core Village Community Plan

Barbara Gervais, Tofte Town Clerk

Decem ber 2006

Project No. 306-12~07

Contract No. A79124

Contract Number: A79124

Project Title: Tofte Core Village Community Plan

Project Start Date: Sept. 7, 2005

Reporting Period From: 10/01106 To: 12114/2006

In summary this is what was accomplished by our grant:

A Steering Committee was fanned to plan the development of a Tofte Town

2. IdentifY and discuss any problems or concerns (issues or project implementation

Send to: kurla.sundberg@dnr.stale.mn.us

Dear Board Members,

options considered by the community.

It was a pleasure working with you and the people of Tofte.

If we can be of further help, please let us know.

Center for Changing Landscapes

Mary Vogel, Co-Director

Roger Martin, Senior Research Fellow, Professor Emeritus

Carlos J. Fernandez, Design Coordinator

Sue Lawson, Planning Director, Center for Rural Planning

Nichole Schlepp, Research Fellow

Laura Reuter, Research Fellow

Cynthia M. Carlson, Research Assistant

Funding for this project was received by:

Center for Transportation Studies

Minnesota Lake Superior Coastal Program

The Blandin Foundation

Minnesota Department of Transportation

Center for Changing Landscapes

©2006 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.

The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

INTRODUCTION 1-3 APPENDICES 79-126

Background 6-7 Appendix B: July 2005 Survey 81

Purpose 8-9 Appendix C: Summary of Comments from 82-83

THE COMMUNITY-DRIVEN 13-21 Appendix E: Goals and Policies 96-97

Developing Opportunities and Constraints 20-21

THE SETTING 23-35

Community: A Closer Look

TOFTE TOWN CENTER DESIGN 37-77

Town Plan 40-41

Current Development Patterns 42-51

Tofte Town Square 52-63

Tofte Hills 64-75

Next Steps 76-77

The Tofte Town Center Community Design Project is a community-driven

PROJECT STRUCTURE: SCOPE OF WORK

The following principles were used to achieve this purpose:

Preserving and enhancing Tofte’s cultural and natural landscape,

Creating connections to amenities and recreational systems,

Providing for future sustainability,

Addressing safety and congestion problems along Highway 61

which is both an economic corridor and a scenic byway, and

Minimizing the design’s effect on property owners.

Project Structure: Scope of Work

CRP will communicate with the Tofte Community.

CCL will produce ﬁnal design that will consist of:

Opportunities and Constraints Document Production & Final Products

Design Requirements/Project Scoping Project will be assembled into an 11 x 11 format as a ﬁnal

Collaborate with CRP and Man DOT in developing a project product.

alignment issues. (Plan Views)

Signage Options and other Details (Plans, Sections, Axons)