For almost a decade, the Teweles and Brandeis Grain Elevator has not just been a monument to Sturgeon Bay's agricultural past but also of controversy. The structure, now known as the Door County Granary, will host a soft opening on September 21st as a part of the Sturgeon Bay Harvest Festival. The events begin at 1 p.m. with docent-led building tours and a history talk by the National Railroad Museum's Daniel Liedtke on the granary's role in the city's railroading past. Part of the Door County Granary's history includes contentious city council meetings, a raze order from the Sturgeon Bay Fire Chief, two trips across the Maple/Oregon Street Bridge, and other delays along the way. At the center of much of it was Laurel Hauser, who served on the Sturgeon Bay Common Council when community members started to make progress on saving the structure and now serves as the President of the Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Foundation Board. Although the progress was slower than many would have liked, Hauser is proud that so many people got to see their hard work through.

While Saturday's soft opening is a milestone for the Door County Granary, Hauser says there is still work to be done before its grand opening next year. They hope to extend its development agreement with the city at Tuesday's Sturgeon Bay Common Council meeting. They are also looking to raise additional funds to provide access to the head house at the top of the granary and install interpretative elements. When it is complete, it will be the three-season museum and event venue with additional space that includes a public restroom and drinking fountain.