Changing the Form of GovernmentIn 1972, the Grow Township Board of Supervisors recognized that the town was growing at a very rapid rate. They felt a village form of government would provide better services to the community. Board supervisors then voted in favor of proceeding with the incorporation process. The board voted to submit a new name for the village. “Andover Village” was chosen because the name Andover had historical interest. The historical interest, we believe, came from the Andover train station.
Train Myth
You may have heard the popular “train myth” about how Andover received its name. The myth states that a train tipped over in a swamp, and an eyewitness, relaying the incident, said it “went over and over,” thereby naming the city “Andover.”
Research reveals that the name Andover first appeared in an article dated March 14, 1899 in the Anoka County Union Newspaper – before train tracks were ever built in the city. The article stated that the Eastern Minnesota line of the Great Northern Railway was in the process of constructing railroad tracks from the Coon Creek Cut-off to the north. The railway announced that new railroad stations with mathematical precision were to be located 5 miles apart from each other. The new stations (from Coon Creek to the north, along the new railroad line) were to be named Andover, Cedar, Bethel, Isanti, Cambridge, Stanchfield, Braham, Grasston, Cornell, and Brook Park. On July 4, 1899, the 1st train passed through the Andover Station. Where the railway came up with the name Andover still remains unknown.
City Transition
Andover Village was established in 1972 and then became the City of Andover, a city of the 4th class, in 1974. Today the City of Andover’s population exceeds 30,000, classifying it as a 2nd class city.
The Andover City Center Complex is located at the intersection of Crosstown Boulevard and Hanson Boulevard and is home to the city offices, Public Works Department, Water Treatment Plant, Community Center / YMCA and the Senior Center. Andover is served by a full-time Police Department through a contract with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Department. A professional paid on call volunteer Fire Department also serves the community.
New Businesses
Commercial activities in Andover have increased with construction of a number of new businesses throughout the city. The city is currently marketing several parcels in Andover Station north, a commercial/retail area located north of Bunker Lake Boulevard and west of Hanson Boulevard. Site development inquiries and economic development opportunities should be directed to the Community Development Director at 763-767-5140.
School Districts
Andover is part of 2 of the finest school districts in the state. St. Francis School District 15 covers the northern section of the city, while Anoka-Hennepin School District 11 serves the south 4/5 of the city. Crooked Lake Elementary, Andover Elementary, Rum River Elementary, Oak View Middle School and Andover High School are all located within the City of Andover and are part of School District 11. Legacy Christian Academy
is also located in the city.
Local Amenities
On average, 50 new homes are constructed each year, with a wide variety of lot sizes, architectural styles and price ranges. The city has more than 400 acres of community and neighborhood parks. Kelsey Round Lake Park is a 136-acre nature area for hiking, skiing and environmental observation. Other recreational facilities include more than 400 acres of the Anoka County Bunker Hills Regional Park (which is home to the Bunker Beach Waterpark), Bunker Hills Golf Course, hiking/biking trails, cross-country skiing trails, camping and other outdoor activities. The Rum River Central Regional Park is located immediately north of Andover on County Road 7.
Andover’s governing body consists of a Mayor and 4 City Council members. Council meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Residents may address the council at any regularly scheduled meeting. The council appoints members to several commissions that provide recommendations and information to the City Council on a variety of issues.
