In this 60s-inspired public service announcement, learn of the doomed prototype that incited riots and rage, and how business magnate Anthony Vanderarc brought former UMN dean Athelstan Spilhaus’ 1960s “Minnesota Experimental City” proposal to life.
TRANSCRIPT:
Come one, come all, to MIC – the Minnesotan Innovation City, a microcosm of the future.
Ahead of its time, the city’s prototype was initially proposed in the 1960s by futurist Athelstan Spilhaus, Dean of the Institute of Technology at the U of M.
Considered the 20th century Da Vinci, Spilhaus conceived of an experimental city where great ideas would be brought to life; all within a giant transparent dome to protect its denizens from the harsh Minnesotan weather.
With sustainable technology, forward-thinking infrastructure and a team of great minds at the helm, MXC could have changed the world.
It was a city with no schools, as everyone inside is a scholar, encouraged to teach and learn from each other.
Despite the promise of no pollution, no sprawl, no snow shovels, and no worries, the citizens of Aitkin County, where they planned to build the community, were resistant to being displaced. Public support waned, and investors were scarce.
The dome city became a footnote in Minnesota’s history. Until now.
Decades after Spilhaus’ dream went to waste, business magnate Anthony Vanderarc, founder of Vanderarc Industries, made it a reality.
Given a new name, the Minnesota Innovation City is a hotbed of creativity.
Entrepreneurs from all backgrounds are invited to live in the city, to be surrounded by like-minded individuals willing to make a change. Every year, Vanderarc will select the best of the best and turn idea into innovation.
Take the chance to bring your ideas, projects and business to life; make history, with Vanderarc at your side.