For this month’s episode of the Archive Dive podcast, we dive into the story of an immigrant from Belgium who changed the landscape of Superior.

Rene Lagae came to Superior in 1907 to make some quick money and return to the old country. Instead, he brought his family to Superior, started Allouez Lumber Company and built more than 700 homes throughout the city, some with unique styles and amenities.

Telegram reporter Maria Lockwood and local historian Teddie Meronek discuss Lagae’s life and his contributions to the community.

“The thing that makes a Lagae home stand out is that it's so well built,” said Meronek. “Most of those houses are 100 years old or more, a lot of them, and they're still standing.“

One of the lasting legacies Lagae left behind was the Hayes Court development where he constructed 36 houses.

New episodes of "Archive Dive" are published monthly. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Episodes are edited and produced by Duluth Media Group digital producer Dan Williamson. If you have an idea for a topic you’d like to see covered, email Maria Lockwood at [email protected].