Archery Business Aims for St. Michael Pellco Space

The St. Michael City Council cleared the way for a new archery business in St. Michael last month, approving a conditional use permit for retail sales and service at the former Pellco Building at 13045 43^rd St. NE.

Applicant Richard M. Kangas has applied with the name “Midwest Archery,” and plans to bring an indoor archery range, sales floor and conference center into the spot, which is located just off of the intersection of Highway 241 and Naber Avenue Northeast in eastern St. Michael.

The St. Michael Planning and Zoning Commission approved the new location in its meeting last October. The St. Michael City Council followed suit about a week later, allowing the retail business to enter this primarily industrial area near J&B Group.

“It looks like it will have the indoor shooting, as well as sales of bows and other archery equipment,” said Marc Weigle, community development director for the City of St. Michael.

Archery is a growing sport for the area, with an recently opening near the Crow River Gun Club, thanks to the help of local volunteers. The public has also approached for archery clubs and trap shooting.

“"I think it's an activity that is catching on with a lot of people around here. It's getting to be a preferred way to hunt for some people, and for some landowners," volunteer and hunter Gary Schoen said.

According to plans, the indoor archery range would include a handful of lanes with “adjustable bale targets.” Kangas told the commission and council through a written proposal that he wants to offer leagues for both youth and adults, hunters and recreational archers.

The sales space will offer compound bows, arrows, accessories and hunting accessories. Kangas also plans to work with the Minnesota DNR to become an authorized retailer for hunting and fishing licenses, and to become a big game registration location.

The location will employ at least two full time people, with prospects for growth, Kangas said.

According to a sign on the property, Kangas hopes to have the business up and running Jan. 2, 2012 after extensive remodeling and construction is done inside the old machining building.

Making a Difference Dislocated

The new business will have some local impact, however. Pellco donated its old location to Making a Difference International and director Funwi Tita. Now, that charity will have to move its clothing collection and bailer.

“We’re looking for space,” Funwi said.