Board approves contract for 'County Built on Iron' exhibit; some commissioners question out-of-area vendor

St. Louis County agreed to serve as fiscal agent and contract with Somerville Wilson doing business as Split Rock Studios to design and fabricate a "County Built on Iron" exhibit funded by a $385,000 state appropriation.

Director Shane Peterson and staff explained the historical society led the exhibit design effort and the county is acting as fiscal agent because the state appropriation required a public entity for reimbursement. Peterson told commissioners the project will be produced under a public RFP; two proposals were received and evaluated: Split Rock Studios (Minneapolis) and Ravenswood Studios (Chicago). Split Rock’s proposal was selected and the board approved the contract by voice vote.

Several commissioners welcomed the exhibit and its timing alongside the depot HVAC work. Commissioner Nelson raised objections to using an out-of-area fabricator, saying he was "offended" that fabrication work would be done in Minneapolis rather than by firms on the Iron Range and urging departments to look first for local capacity. Staff responded that county purchasing policy required an RFP for contracts over $175,000, that the RFP was advertised and closed in January 2026, and that only two proposals were received.

Administration said local labor and contractors under the project labor agreement will perform much of the on-site prep work — painting, flooring and electrical — while the exhibit’s fabrication and graphic-intensive elements will be produced by the selected firm and shipped for installation. The board approved the contract and the project will proceed to production and eventual installation in the depot as the HVAC work completes.

What's next: As fiscal agent, county staff will manage reimbursements to the historical society and oversee installation. Commissioners asked staff to continue outreach to local vendors and to document the procurement process for future similar projects.