Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
The Cities Blog
Jessica Mador

Shoddy Mill moves to Stillwater

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

(MPR photo/Jennifer Simonson)

After a delay earlier this month, MnDOT finally moved the historic Shoddy Mill and warehouse buildings from Oak Park Heights to Stillwater on Wednesday.

The buildings were built in 1890 and owned by Moritz and Bertha Bergstein. The mill manufactured woolen yarn made from used clothing that was shipped to Minneapolis for use as a mattress stuffing. The Shoddy Mill and Warehouse are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Here's a before picture:

(Photo courtesy 'Elkman,' via Creative Commons)

MnDOT is moving the structures from the banks of the St. Croix River in Oak Park Heights up the road to Stillwater to make way for the planned new St. Croix bridge between Oak Park Heights and St. Joseph in Wisconsin.

Before beginning the move, crews stabilized the small stone shoddy mill with plywood and steel beams to prevent damage during transport. The Minnesota State Patrol closed parts of Minnesota Highways 36 and 95 overnight from Wednesday into Thursday to make way for the buildings. On Friday, the buildings will be moved into their final positions across from the River Oasis Cafe on the St. Croix riverbank in Stillwater.

The new St. Croix River four-lane highway bridge will replace the 80-year-old Stillwater Lift Bridge and connect expressways on both sides of the river.