Save Motor Mill: Foundation Seeks Funding for Structural Repairs

Be the reason your community stays informed—give to local journalism now! ELKADER, Iowa — After 155 years, Motor Mill, the iconic, 6-story limestone mill on the Turkey River southeast of Elkader, faces major structural issues. The bedrock holding two primary support columns, which are pillars built of limestone blocks, is crumbling. The natural deterioration has been worsened by a number of major floods—especially in 1991 and 2008. Structural engineers have recommended remedial work to stabilize the building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The integrity of the entire mill structure could be dependent on the strength of these columns, which support the massive timbers that make up the interior frame of the building. Shive-Hattery Architecture and Engineering of Cedar Rapids has proposed repairs in two phases: first protecting and reinforcing the basement pillars and then adding steel "micropile" rods to support the oak posts and beams in the 90-foot-tall structure. The Motor Mill Foundation of Clayton County (MMF) has launched a "Saving Motor Mill—Foundation Rescue" capital campaign to raise at least the estimated $211,000 to complete the work. MMF chairman, Dr. Kenneth Zichal of Elkader, said that's a relatively small price to pay to preserve the magnificent mill, which is a northeast Iowa treasure—and with several thousand visitors annually—is a key to the region's tourism industry. MMF's fund-raising efforts are bearing fruit, with about half of the necessary money already raised from board members and from people who have supported the MMF with significant donations in the past. Now MMF is seeking help from the general public to reach the fund-raising goal. MMF also is applying for several grants. But Jenna (Pollock) Van Meeteren, director of the Clayton County Conservation Board, which owns the mill, said potential grantors often require matching money and community support when reviewing grant requests. MMF hopes initial repair work can begin soon. The first phase of the project is to stabilize the exposed bedrock supporting the pillars by encasing them in mortar to prevent further erosion. This is only a short-term solution, however. The second phase will likely involve drilling into the bedrock to install steel micropile posts to support the existing oak cross beams. That work can commence after sufficient funds are raised and engineers complete detailed plans. The awareness of the mill's structural problems came to light in 2020, when Elkader contractor C. J. Moyna and Sons donated workers and equipment to help remove about 50 truckloads of silt from the mill basement. That excavation revealed the precarious condition of the pillars, which had been hidden by Turkey River sediment for decades. The MMF Motor last year consulted an engineer, who recommended that repairs begin as soon as practical. The Clayton County Conservation Board is accepting bids for the first phase of the project until April 7. The contractor is supposed to complete the work by June 15. In addition to the pillar stabilization, the initial plan calls for tuckpointing and repair of limestone blocks forming bases for several other pillars in the mill basement. It is uncertain whether the basement work will affect the tour season at Motor, which is to begin May 24. Even if Motor Mill itself is not open for tours during the work, the remainder of the Motor Mill Historic Site, including four other historic buildings, will be staffed seven days a week. Visitors can see interpretive displays on the lower floor of the inn. The two upper floors of the inn are available to rent for overnight stays, as well as for conferences and workshops. The nearby Stable, which has been renovated to provide a gathering space, also can be rented for private events. It has been the venue for several music concerts. The Motor Mill Historic Site also includes a campground and the Turkey River boat ramp. Hikers also may enjoy several miles of trails on both sides of the Turkey River. To contribute to Motor Mill, visit www.motormill.org. Don't miss out on important updates! Subscribe to the newsletter for free and stay informed about local topics that matter most to you.