Public asked to comment on historic Gehl-Mittlested home

The Fish and Wildlife Service is holding an open house to get public comment on the historic Gehl-Mittlested House.

The house, located within the Rapids Lake Unit of the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, is a Chaska brick farmhouse situated on the west bank of the Minnesota River and includes a brick outhouse and stone barn foundation ruins.

A public open house is scheduled for Thursday March 6 at the Rapids Lake Visitor Center, to review preliminary reuse options and to seek public input regarding the reuse of the house.

Charlie Blair, the new Refuge Manager; SMSQ Architects, and others involved in the reuse study will present the findings to date of the Reuse Team and seek public comment.

Two identical sessions are scheduled, one from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. and another from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in order to reach a broad audience.

The Visitor Center is located at 15865 Carver Highlands Dr., south of Carver. It is located uphill of the Gehl-Mittelsted House and is fully handicap accessible.

To reach the center, head west on Highway 212 and then go west on Carver County 40 (Main Street) through Carver until the junction with County Road 45, head south. Take County Road 45 to Carver Highlands Dr., which intersects County Road 45 and at County Road 50. Continue 1 mile into the Refuge with the Visitor Center part way down the bluff.

Historic home discussion

What: Open House and Public Comment on the Reuse Options for the Historic Gehl-Mittelsted House

Where: Rapids Lake Education & Visitor Center, 15865 Carver Highlands Drive; Rapids Lake Unit, Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge

When: 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., March 6