The Story Behind Grand Forks' Iconic Waterwheel

Hello, Grand Forks community! My name is Klaudia, and I’m the proud daughter of Mitch Price, owner of McFarlane. Today, I’m excited to share the story of one of our town’s most cherished landmarks—the waterwheel in Town Square. Growing up, I’ve been inspired by my dad’s dedication to our community and the incredible work his company has done. Let me take you on a journey through the creation of this iconic sculpture.

Pictured here is the team that worked on the construction of the waterwheel after the flood. From left to right, Keith Borgerson, Cory Brandt, Larry Sloan, Jason Hanson, Colin Kelley, and John Davis.

1. The Vision: A Post-Flood Revival

The waterwheel’s story began after the devastating Red River flood of 1997. Our downtown area, especially Town Square, needed a symbol of hope and renewal. The city’s leaders wanted something that would not only beautify the area but also represent our community’s strength and resilience. They envisioned the waterwheel as a blend of art and engineering, a reminder of our past and a beacon for the future.

2. McFarlane’s Involvement: A Challenge Accepted

When the architectural firm Widseth Smith Nolting presented the waterwheel design to McFarlane, they knew they were facing a unique challenge. McFarlane was known for its precision and craftsmanship, but this project was unlike anything they had done before. The waterwheel required not just technical skill but also an artistic touch to make it appear as a seamless piece of stainless steel.

3. The Making of the Waterwheel: Crafting Perfection

The process of creating the waterwheel was truly a labor of love. Over three months, the McFarlane team transformed 11 sheets of 1/8-inch thick stainless steel into a stunning sculpture. One of the biggest challenges was preventing the metal from warping during welding and achieving a perfect polish that made the wheel look like a solid piece of stainless steel. They even designed and built two custom machines to polish the curves of the wheel, spending up to 20 hours a day polishing to ensure every inch was flawless.

4. Overcoming Challenges: Innovation and Ingenuity

Creating the waterwheel pushed the McFarlane team to innovate in ways they had never imagined. They developed new welding techniques and found special padding to protect the polished surfaces. Every member of the team was dedicated to maintaining the highest standards, knowing that the waterwheel’s appearance was its essence. The pride they felt when they saw the finished piece installed in Town Square was indescribable.

5. The Legacy: A Source of Pride

Seeing the waterwheel in Town Square, admired by residents and visitors alike, fills me with immense pride. It stands as a symbol of our community’s resilience and the craftsmanship of McFarlane. The day it was finished, the McFarlane team, along with their families, were there to witness the unveiling. Even now, I often see team members showing off the sculpture to their loved ones, reflecting the pride they all take in their work.

In 2000, the waterwheel project was honored with the Craftsman Award from the American Institute of Architects’ North Dakota chapter. This recognition was a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved and a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together as a community.

The waterwheel is more than just a sculpture; it’s a piece of our history and a symbol of our future. It reminds me daily of what can be accomplished through hard work, innovation, and community spirit. I’m incredibly proud of my dad (& the team at McFarlane), and I hope to follow in their footsteps, continuing to contribute to our wonderful community.

Thank you, Grand Forks, for being part of this incredible journey.