A former drive-thru bank on Flindt Drive could soon shift to industrial use, and the City of Storm Lake is preparing to hear public input.
Last Monday, the Storm Lake City Council set a public hearing for a proposed rezoning at 333 Flindt Dr. — a parcel once home to Northwest Federal Savings Bank and later operated under subsequent bank acquisitions, including First Federal Savings Bank and Northwest Bank. The building, now owned by Merrill Manufacturing, is used as office space but sits directly north of the company’s main facility.
Storm Lake Building and Code Compliance Director Scott Olesen said Merrill is seeking to rezone the lot from Community Commercial to General Industrial to construct a powder coating facility on the east side of the parcel. Powder coating is a key step in the company’s production of yard hydrants, but Merrill currently outsources the work.
Olesen told council members why the company wants the operation in Storm Lake.
Merrill’s powder coating work was previously done in Alta until a fire on April 23 damaged the facility. According to fire reports, an oven continued running after staff believed it had been shut off, sparking a blaze that required multiple departments to respond. Merrill then moved the work to Sioux City while exploring long‑term options.
The proposed rezoning aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan, which designates the area as Highway Commercial and Industrial. Olesen noted the request fits the city’s goal of supporting existing businesses and helping them expand in appropriate locations.
City Manager Keri Navratil told Storm Lake Radio before the meeting that the project would not create new jobs but would help retain existing ones by keeping Merrill’s production steps consolidated in Storm Lake. She added that Merrill is working with the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation to explore potential state training or economic development incentives.
The council voted unanimously to set the public hearing for 5 p.m. on Sept. 21.
The Planning and Zoning Commission will review the request on Sept. 17 and forward its recommendation to the council. If approved, the rezoning would allow Merrill Manufacturing to construct the new facility on the same campus as its existing operations — reducing shipping needs and keeping more of its production process local.
