NORTHWOOD, N.D. -- Almost three years after an EF-4 tornado tore through this town, the ribbon was officially cut Wednesday afternoon on the new Northwood Inn, Laundromat and RV Park before about four dozen attending well-wishers.
"It's been a vision started right after the tornado," said Dave Korsmo, part of the 14-member Valley Investor Group, which contributed $135,000 to the $558,500 project. "It's functional for a small community. We wanted the people to be comfortable, but didn't want to overdo it."
The Inn, fronting the business district on the northeast end of town, consists of 10 rooms, seven with twin queen-size beds and three business suites with king-size beds. The RV Park includes some sites with full hookups, but it's the Laundromat with five front-loading washers and six dryers that's already a hit with customers.
"We have a special Wednesday through Friday," said Cherie Korsmo, manager. "You wash and we'll dry for free. We had one room left on Friday and were booked Saturday and Sunday, so we've been very busy. It's going to bring quite a few people into town."
The project also received $433,500 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program., which provides assistance to rural communities of less than 50,000 people.
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"There's a sentimental aspect to a community that's persevered and rebuilt," said Jasper Schneider, state director for USDA Rural Development. "This pumps some new blood and new energy into the community. It shows they believe the best is still ahead of them."
Reach Johnson at (701) 780-1262; (800) 477-6572, ext. 262; or send e-mail to jjohnson2@gfherald.com .
