Facilities

The City of Osseo is working to renovate the former Osseo Press building located at 33 2nd St. NE into a municipally owned cannabis retail dispensary. This page provides major project updates, key City Council decisions, and links to official project documents.

For photos, renderings, and timely project updates, visit the City's Facebook page.

Current Status

Recent Activities:

• Asbestos abatement completed
• Interior and garage demolitions completed
• Interior building design, exterior concepts, and business name of Osseo Press Room approved
• Security, fire alarm, and network infrastructure contracts awarded

Next Major Milestones:

• Construction financing - A public hearing regarding bonding and tax abatement for this project will be held on June 22, 2026 at 7pm. Council will vote on July 13, 2026 at 7pm.
• Construction begins
• Tenant contract improvements completed
• State licensing finalized
• Store opening

Project Timeline

November 2025

• Dispensary registration application for a municipal cannabis dispensary located at 33 2^nd St. NE, the former Osseo Press building, is approved
  • View the City Council agenda packet and meeting minutes.
• Professional Services Agreement with Voyageur Cannabis Services approved by City Council to assist with dispensary planning and operations
  • View the City Council agenda packet and meeting minutes.

March 2026

• Agreements for financial services, architectural and engineering services, and survey and civil engineering services are approved by City Council
  • View the City Council agenda packet and meeting minutes.

April 2026

• City Council approves a contract for interior demolition and removal of the detached garages at 33 2^nd St. NE, the former Osseo Press building
  • View the City Council agenda packet and meeting minutes.
• Asbestos removal contract approved by City Council following the identification of asbestos-containing materials during project assessment
  • View the City Council agenda packet and meeting minutes.

May 2026

• Interior and exterior designs approved
  • View the City Council agenda packet and meeting minutes.
• Interior garage demolitions completed
• Security, fire alarm, and network infrastructure building systems approved
  • View the City Council agenda packet and meeting minutes.
• The City Council approves a resolution calling for a public hearing on proposed bond financing of $4,066,000 for the project. The public hearing is scheduled for 7pm on June 22, 2026 and the Council vote scheduled for July 13, 2026.
  • View the City Council agenda packet and meeting minutes.
• “Osseo Press Room” approved by Council as the name of the dispensary
  • View the City Council agenda packet and meeting minutes.

Upcoming Milestones

Summer 2026

• June 22, 2026 - Public Hearing on proposed bond financing and tax abatement of $4,066,000 at 7pm, City Council Chambers
• July 13, 2026 – City Council consideration of bond financing and tax abatement of $4,066,000 following the public hearing process at 7pm, City Council Chambers
• Anticipated – Construction begins

Anticipated Fall 2026

• Construction Completed

Anticipated November/December 2026

• Municipal Dispensary Opens

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the City opening a municipal cannabis dispensary?

The City is opening a municipal cannabis dispensary to create a new source of revenue that can help offset the property tax burden on residents and businesses. As state law allows local governments to participate in the cannabis market, the City sees this as an opportunity to generate revenue that can support municipal services, infrastructure, parks, and other community priorities.

Why was the former Osseo Press building selected for the dispensary?

The former Osseo Press building was selected because it is already owned by the City, reducing acquisition costs and allowing the City to repurpose an existing property. The location provides adequate space for retail operations, customer parking, and building improvements while supporting the City's redevelopment goals.

How much will the project cost and how is it being funded? 

The total project cost includes property redevelopment, building improvements, licensing, equipment, inventory, and startup expenses. The project is being funded through a combination of existing City resources and financing. The City Council will vote on any financing. 

The City Council approved a resolution calling for a public hearing on proposed bond financing of $4,066,000 for the project. The public hearing is scheduled for 7pm on June 22, 2026 and the Council vote scheduled for July 13, 2026.

Will tax dollars be used to operate the dispensary?

No. The dispensary is intended to operate as an enterprise business, meaning it will be funded through business revenues rather than ongoing property tax support. Startup investments may be required to establish operations, but the goal is for the dispensary to be financially self-supporting.

When will the dispensary open?

The City is currently working through licensing, building improvements, inventory procurement, and operational planning. An official opening date will be announced once all regulatory approvals and project milestones have been completed. The expected date is November or December of 2026

Where can I find official project documents?

Project documents and resolutions can be found in City Council meeting packets on the City's website. 

What will the revenue be used for?

Any net revenue generated by the dispensary will be directed by the City Council and may be used to support municipal operations, capital improvement projects, parks, public safety, infrastructure, and other community priorities. Revenue generated through the dispensary may help reduce future reliance on property taxes.

What happens if the dispensary loses money?

The City has conducted financial planning and market analysis to help minimize risk. As with any business venture, there are risks associated with startup operations. The City will regularly monitor financial performance and make operational adjustments as needed. If necessary, the City Council may evaluate alternative business strategies to protect public resources.

How can I apply to work at the dispensary?

Dispensary employees will not be city employees; staffing will be managed by Voyager Cannabis Co. 

How can I stay informed about the project?

Residents can stay informed by attending City Council meetings, reviewing meeting packets and agendas, visiting the City's website, and following official City communication channels for project updates.

Why is it called Osseo Press Room Dispensary? 

The Press Room will be located at 33 2nd St. NE, the former home of the Osseo Press newspaper. The first edition of the Osseo Press was published in November 1923, and the newspaper operated from the building at 33 2nd St. NE from 1985 until 2023 when its offices relocated.

The name "The Press Room" was selected to honor the building's history and its long association with the Osseo Press, which has served the Osseo community for generations.