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5.0. 6.0. 7.0. HRSR 08-28-2000ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY MEMORANDUM TO: Housing and Redevelopment Authority FROM: Cathy Mehelich, Director of Economic Development DATE: August 24, 2000 SUBJECT: Meeting Agenda 5. Consider Resignation of Commissioner Duane Kropuenshe Attached is a copy of the letter of resignation that was recently received from Commissioner and Chair Duane Kropuenske. It is anticipated that Mayor Klinzing will be making the appointment of a new commission member at a later date. Vice -Chair Larry Toth, will lead the meetings as Chair until officer elections in January. • 6 River's Edme Downtown Business Association Report Cliff Lundberg has requested to make a brief report from the River's Edge Downtown Business Association. The group has recently re -organized with their new chair, Tony Mikols. The organization is interested in the general improvements and marketing activities for downtown. Since the HRA meeting in June, staff has. been gathering planning reports and information about Elk River's downtown redevelopment efforts. Staff has also met with representatives of the River's Edge Downtown Association to gage the level of interest in downtown improvements. Municipal Utilities has planned improvements for burying electric lines downtown. Staff believes a cooperative effort can be made to remove and replace the damaged sidewalks downtown at the same time. A physical design plan for the Central Business District would provide guidelines for the type and style for such improvements, as well as provide suggestions for property owners/business owners downtown for storefront improvements. • P.O. Box 490 • 13065 Orono Parkway • Elk River, MN 55330-1743 • (612) 441-7420• Fax: (612) 441-7425 Equal Opportunity Housing and Equal Opportunity Employment • 7. Year 2001 HRA Budget & Levy Resolution Attached to this memo you will find the following information regarding the year 2001 HRA Budget: • Budget worksheet — HRA revenue projections • Budget worksheet — HRA projected expenditures There are three separate budgets for the economic development department including: • General Fund Economic Development Authority Housing & Redevelopment Authority Dollars from all three sources has been, and continues to be necessary to balance the department's budget. Revenues are estimated at a 6% growth in market value for year 2001. The only expenses proposed to be shared by all three categories include full time and part time salaries and benefits — to be divided among the three categories as follows: • • General Fund — 20% • EDA — 60% • HRA — 20% Other common office and operating expenses are proposed only to be shared by the EDA (75%) and the HRA (25%). These line item administrative expenses are as follows: • Office supplies • Legal fees (sometimes) • Telephone • Postage • Travel, conferences and schools • Publishing • Dues and subscriptions • Miscellaneous As in previous years, the HRA makes a one time transfer to the EDA at the end of year 2001 to cover 25% of the expenses in these line item categories. Staff estimates these costs as follows: is • Total administrative expenses assigned to HRA $ 6,500 • Following is a line item analysis of the other proposed year 2001 expenditures for the HRA: • Personal Services $ 25,700 • Other professional services $ 20,000 - Hire design consultant for CBD project • Insurance $ 200 • Transfer —General Fund $ 1,500 • Transfer — EDA 6,500 Total HRA year 2001 proposed expenditures: $ 539900 Total HRA year 2001 proposed revenues: $1049900 The excess $51,000 in revenues will go into the HRA reserve. In the past the HRA reserve account has funded shortfalls from the payment of the King & Main loan payment. The plan for the reserves is to build up funds for future projects. The more reserves that can be built up, the less debt that would have to be incurred for a future project. Since sufficient revenues exist in the HRA account for year 2000 with the • sale of the King & Main site, staff is recommending that the final payment in the amount of $39,514 be made in year 2000 rather than 2001 (resulting in interest savings of approximately $2,500). Staff also proposes to bring a specific proposal to the HRA for hiring a design consultant for the Central Business District. The physical design plan has been discussed as phase II after the visioning/action plan was completed in 1999. Recommendation Staff recommends that the HRA authorize final payment of the internal loan for the King & Main site to be made in year 2000. Staff also recommends the HRA approve the year 2001 budget, with the understanding that the line item for hiring a CBD designer will be brought back for specific authorization, and approval of Resolution 00 - with a request that the City Council levy a tax in the amount of .0131 percent of the taxable market value. 0 'tom' • August 7, 2000 Mayor Stephanie Klinzing The City of Elk River 13065 Orono Parkway Elk River, MN 55330 Dear Stephanie; Ilk ivy* L !i I This letter should probably be addressed "Mayor Klinzing" but we have known each other to long to be that formal. > Effective August 7, 2000- I am resigning as Chairman of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. I have been very dedicated to the development of Elk River through the years spent on the Planning Committee, City Council, Economic Development Authority and the HRA. Therefore there are mixed feelings as Patsy and I relocate to a new community. As a partner in AMCAP Mortgage and Financial, Inc., American Capital Financial, and Access Title I need to concentrate on the development of those firms. Spending time with our grandchildren has taken a • high priority in our life. We also decided that in the summer months we wanted to relax after work by playing golf in the evenings. To accomplish this we have purchased a lot and we are building a home on the Cedar Creek Golf Course in Albertville. Even though we were opponents in the last election I have appreciated your support on the HRA. I feel that Elk River is fortunate to have dedicated elected officials, as well as highly skilled and dedicated staff. It has been a great pleasure to work with staff that has sincere concern for the community. I'feel very fortunate that I was able to work with them and others in getting Highway 141 converted to four lanes, the approval of Elk Park Center and the new City Hall building. I will stay involved in the Elk River area through my company's involvement in the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce and I will continue to serve on the Guardian Angels Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Sincerely, AaZ7topuenske c.c.Pat Klaers,Lori Johnson,Carol Mills,DonHeinzman AMCAP MORTGAGE AND FINANCIAL, INC. 21000 ROGERs DRIVE • SUITE 110 • ROGERS, MN 55374 • PHONE (612) 428-3645 • FAx 428-3978 •1 River's Edgedowntown business association August 28, 2000 To whom this may concern, The Rivers Edge Downtown Business Association, sent out our survey, to all local business owners/operators, last month. We decided to survey the business community in order to establish the needs and desires of the downtown business community, and gain their input on current issues for our downtown area. The results of this survey are captured on the attached survey response summary. The local businesses are looking to improve the downtown business district, but the majority have reflected a desire to obtain information with regards to available financing for their improvements. It is our Associations desire to move forward with planning and ideas that will meet with the respondents requests. Cindy Koonce, at CreditAmerica Savings Company, has the surveys and will be willing to share the original surveys with anyone who may wish to review them. Please let her know if you wish to obtain copies of all of the surveys and their results, by calling her at 763-241-1300. ' • • Thank you for your cooperation, Sincerely, &46 Secretary, Rivers Edge Downtown Business Association 717, main street nw • downtown • elk river, mn 55330 • (763) 441-6385 Business Survey Results: As of 8/11/00 • We had 15 responses from our local businesses, below are the details and findings: Question #1: Type of Property Owned: Leased: 7 Owned: 8 Question #2: Have you considered making improvements to your property? Yes 8 No:7 Question #2 continued: What type of improvements do you want to see: Code 2 ADA: 1 Rear entrance: 0 Interior Imp: 4 Expansion: 3 Demolition/ new construction: 0 Storefronts: 6 Question #3: Costs of these improvements: Amount: Unknown:3 Significant:I $100,000.00 $3500.00 $80,000 Question #4: Check what items you would be interested in learning more about? Financing Scurces: 3 Suggestions for Storefronts: 4 Small Business Planning: 1 Customer service Workshop: 0 Question #5: What type of business would you like to see come into Downtown: Fine Dining: 4 Bookstore: 2 Coffee Shop: 2 Health Food/ Coop: 2 Question #6: Is parking adequate: Yes: 7 No: 8 Question #7: Is there a current traffic problem? Yes: 9 No: 6 Question #8: Would you be interested in participating in a downtown streetscape design, including decorative lighting, sidewalk improvements, garbage receptacles: Yes: 9 No: 1 Question #9: What issues are high on your list for improvements? Sidewalks: 3 Bike Path: 1 Foot traffic: 1 Storefronts: 3 River Front fix up: 2 Parking: 1 More retail: I Question #10 Have you been contacted to become a member of Rivers Edge? Yes: 11 No: 1 List of Respondentsr The Bank Elk River: Jim Simpson Diamond City Bread: Frank Galli Waterfall Salon: Deanna Larsen -McLean CreditAmerica Savings: Cindy Koonce Lily's on Main: Lori O'Hara Elk River Trading Co: Becky Doebler Marries Farm Service: Russ Martie St. Maxi Millians: Chuck Christian Elk River Dental: Dr. Tony Jamaluk Daves: Grip Amazon: No contact listed First National Insurance : Mary Eberley 3 were sent back with no sender information • City of Elk River 17j BUDGET WORKSHEET Date: 08/07/00 Time: 1:48pm Page: 1 Current Year Prior ----------- Year Original 0 07/31/00 --------------------------- Actual----------- Budget 910 HRA Requested Recommended Adopted Revenues 98,079 -------------- 102,900 TAX TAXES ---------------------- 92,900 -------------- 98,079 3111 Current Ad Valorem Taxes 87,639 92,900 TAXES -------------- -------------- 87,639 92,900 GOVT INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUE -------------- 2,807 -------------- 3322 Homestead Credit 5,639 5,600 INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUE -------------- -------------- 5,639 5,600 OREV OTHER REVENUE -------------- -------------- -------------- 3621 Interest Income 3,876 2,000 3910 Sale of Fixed Assets 0 0 OTHER REVENUE -------------- -------------- 3,876 2,000 Total Revenues 97,159 100,000 17j BUDGET WORKSHEET Date: 08/07/00 Time: 1:48pm Page: 1 Current Year ---------------------- Amended Actual Thru Estimated Budget ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- July Total Requested Recommended Adopted 92,900 98,079 -------------- 102,900 97,300 -------------- ---------------------- 92,900 -------------- 98,079 -------------- 102,900 ---------------------------- 97,300 5,600 2,807 -------------- -------------- 5,600 -------------- ---------------------- 5,600 -------------- 2,807 -------------- ---------------------------- 5,600 2,000 3,189 -------------- 2,000 2,000 -------------- 0 175,000 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------- -------------- 2,000 -------------- 178,189 -------------- 2,000 ---------------------------- 2,000 ---------------------- 100,000 -------------- 229,070 -------------- 109,900 -------- -- -- - - 109,900 BUDGET WORKSHEET Date: 08/07/00 Time: 1:98pm City of Elk River Page: 2 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Prior Year ----------------- Original Current Year Amended ---------------------- Actual Thru Estimated '------------------- - /�� " 2(= 1 0M 07/31/00 ---------- -------------------- . 910 HRA Actual----------- ----- Budget-------- Budget ------------------ July ------ Total Requested --------------------------------------------- Recommended Adopted Expenditures Dept Group: 600 HOUSING 6 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Dept: 610.610 HOUSING 6 REDEVELOPMENT PS PERSONAL SERVICES 9101 Regular Pay 21,093 16,350 16,350 9,151 -------------- 15,950 21,000 -------------- 9102 Overtime Pay 0 0 0 0 -------------- -------------- -------------- 9103 Part-time Pay 0 0 0 -------------- 0 -------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- 9109 PERA 1,069 850 850 203 800 1,100 -------------- 9105 FICA 1,269 1,050 1,050 -------------- 266 950 1,300 -------------- 9107 Medicare 297 250 250 -------------- 62 250 300 .............. 4108 Insurance 1,522 1,900 1,900 -------------- 996 1,500 2,000 .............. 4109 Workers Comp 92 0 0 -------------- 7100 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- PERSONAL SERVICES -------------- 25,287 19,900 -------------- -------------- 19,900 -------------- 5,135 -------------- 19,050 -------------- 25,700 -------------- SUPP SUPPLIES 9201 Office Supplies 903 0 0 0 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- SUPPLIES -------------- 903 0 -------------- -------------- 0 -------------- 0 -------------- -------------- -------------- OSC OTHER SERVICES 6 CHARGES 9309 Legal Fees 0 0 0 1,301 -------------- -------------- 9319 Other Professional Services 1,816 10,000 10,000 -------------- 1,011 -------------- 20,000 20,000 lephane :4320P.stage 237 0 0 -------------- 0 -------------- 396 0 0 5 -------------- -------------- -------------- .............. 4331 Travel, Conferences & Schools 1,299 0 0 0 -------------- -------------- 9399 Advertising/Marketing 68 2,000 2,000 -------------- 21 -------------- -------------- -------------- .............. 4359 Publishing 0 0 0 -------------- 119 -------------- -------------- 9361 Insurance 208 200 200 -------------- 190 -------------- 200 200 -------------- 9933 Dues 6 Subscriptions 183 0 0 -------------- 0 -------------- -------------- -------------- 9990 Miscellaneous 17,931 0 0 -------------- 9,556 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- OTHER SERVICES 6 CHARGES -------------- 22,088 12,200 -------------- -------------- 12,200 -------------- 12,203 -------------- 20,200 -------------- 20,200 -------------- CAP CAPITAL OUTLAY 9510 Land 0 68,500 68,500 0 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- 9530 Improvement Project Contract 0 0 0 0 -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- CAPITAL OUTLAY -------------- 0 68,500 ---------------------------- 68,500 -------------- 0 -------------- -------------- -------------- TROU TRANSFERS OUT 9721 Transfer -General Fund 1,000 1,000 1,000 0 1,000 1,500 -------------- 9735 Transfer -EDA 0 6,300 6,300 -------------- 0 -------------- 5,500 6,500 .............. -------------- TRANSFERS OUT -------------- 1,000 7,300 ---------------------------- 7,300 -------------- 0 -------------- 6,500 -------------- 8,000 -------------- -------------- •HOUSING 6 REDEVELOPMENT --------98,778 -------------- -------107,900 ---------------------------- -------107,900 ------17,338 -------------- -------------- -------------- --------95,750 -------------- - ----53=900 -------------- -------------- HOUSING 6 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 98,778 107,900 107,900 17,338 95,750 53,900 City of Elk River M 07/31/00 - ----------- 910 HRA Expenditures Total Expenditures HRA • 0 BUDGET WORKSHEET Date: 08/07/00 Time: 1:98pm Page: 3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- Prior ----------------- Current Year ---------------------- /� Year Original Amended Actual Thru Estimated Z-oo/ Actual Budget Budget July Total Requested Recommended Adopted ---------------------------------- -------------------- ---------------------- ----998,778-------107,900-------107,900--------17,336----------------------95,750--------53,900 ---- r---- 48,376 8,376 -7,900 -7,900 211,732 59,150 51,000 RESOLUTION 00 - RESOLUTION OF THE ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY A RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING THE TAX LEVY FOR THE ELK RIVER HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY FOR COLLECTION IN 2001 WHEREAS, Minnesota Statute Section 469.033, Subdivision 6, authorizes a Housing and Redevelopment Authority to levy an amount not to exceed .0 13 1 percent of the taxable market value of property within the city to be used for redevelopment purposes; and, WHEREAS, the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority anticipates expenditures in 2001 for various redevelopment activities; and, WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority will adopt and approve its budget before a special tax can be levied. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority requests that the City Council of the City of Elk River, Minnesota, levy a special tax not to exceed the statutory limit of .0131 percent of taxable market value • of the city, less 2001 HACA certified to be $5,611 for the year 2001, for the benefit of the Authority to be used for purposes as provided in Minnesota Statutes. Passed and adopted by the Elk River Housing and Redevelopment Authority this 28rd day of August, 2000. ATTEST: Catherine Mehelich, Executive Director 0 Larry Toth, Chair • MEMORANDUM TO: Housing And Redevelopment Authority FROM: Marc Nevinski, Assistant Director of Economic Development DATE: August 28, 2000 SUBJECT: Articles of Interest Attached are several articles for your information addressing downtown development and revitalization. The first two articles are on the effort to develop a traditional downtown area in Maple Grove. Specifically, they address the design and market factors that have contributed to the development's success. The third article discusses the revitalization efforts in downtown Rosemount, which appears to have a growth pattern similar to Elk River's. • 0 •- Page 12 Minnesotd7teal EstateJournal *August 7 200 REPORTS histant Main Street SUBURB STRIVES FOR URBAN ATMOSPHERE As one drives along Interstate 694 or nterstate 94 in Maple Grove, the landscape on the northeast side of the free- ways is rather predictable for a booming suburb. Restaurants with neon lights line the frontage road. Numerous strip malls and large gas stations are visible. Big box, national retailers dominate the view. But then, as motorists peer from their vehicles, they will most likely be struck by something unusual and out of the ordinary. At fust, it looks like a mirage of some sort; motorists night rub their eyes a bit in dis- belief. When they do focus in, however, they will notice a newly developed, old-fash- ioned downtown; a downtown with two- story brick buildings, on -street parking, trees, park benches, flower boxes, ornate light poles and people milling about and window shopping. In an era when many suburban down- towns are a collection of strip malls and power centers, Maple Grove's has the look and feel of an old-fashioned downtown, with some new twists that make it eco- nomically sound and well-positioned for PHOTOS COURTESY OF KKE ARCHITECTS INC. Opus Northwest LLC led the development of Arbor Lakes, a $260 million mixed-use project that includes a new downtown for Maple Grove. New big box retail and several restaurants are also included. DOUGHERTY FUNDING LLC A DOUGHERTY FINANCIAL GRouP COMPANY COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE AND STRUCTURED FINANCE ExPERTS Commercial Real Estate for all Property Types ,and Innovative Commercial Financing Products • Permanent Commercial Mortgages • Construction and Mini -Perm Financing • Bridge Financing • Project. and Structured Financings • Accounts Receivable and other Asset Based Loans • Subordinate Debt and Equity • Acquisitions, Recapitalizations, and restructurings • Creative Financing Solutions to meet your needs For Information, Please Contact: (612) 317-2000 or (800) 277-0786 Foreclosure Sale` 25 Unit Complex Walnut Grove, Minnesota Property: Grove Apartments 361 -8th Street Walnut Grove, MN 56180 Time aril date of We: 9:00 a.m. August 25, 2000 Sale will be held at: The Sheriffs office Redwood County Courthouse 3rd & S. Jefferson Redwood Falls, MN 56283 Terms: All Cash/ As is - 30 day closing Unstated Minimum To submit a bid: Bids may be submitted in writing or made orally at the foreclosure sale. Interested parties must obtain a bid kit before they can bid. For a bid kit: (214) 905-0877 Fax (214) 905-9931 bidkits@swbell.net For additional information: Farla Knight Ft. Worth HUD MFPD Center (817),978-5810 farla—g.—knight@hud.gov Earnest Money:$25,000 Note: This advertisement is placed by HUD and does not constitute the legal notice of foreclosure sale. 4,a,e "E atia i * t U.S. DEPARTMENT Or HOUSING rt OPMENT AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT s *,� cThe information in this ad is also available at EGUIR HOUSING OPPORTUNITY . a BSM OEVE - wit,w.had.gov/flia/rtifli/Pdintfplist.hiiiii • • August 7, 2000 Minnesota Real Estate Journal • Page 13 the future. says. "If we would have gone ahead with The four block downtown area, with another power center, it wouldn't have 90,000 square feet of retail space,is about mattered to them because they would have three-fourths complete and is part of the a sold their land anyway.But they felt oblig- larger,three-phase,Arbor Lakes mixed-use cc � ated to do something different in Maple project under development by Opus North- ere hearing from many tenants that t'"'Zr stores Grove — something to create more of e west LLC and designed by St. Paul-based community.They had a bigger vision than KKE Architects Inc.The downtown is part or restaurants (in the Arbor Lakes downtown) are their we Act•didually, Sauer, of Tiller Corp., said he of the first phase. The entire $260 million Arbor Lakes best stores in terms of Sales, or are in their top five. was a bit skeptical of creating a downtown. project, which is Maple Grove's newest "We definitely wanted something differ planned development, will one day be 450 when you hear that, you realize this is working.�� ent, that's why we built the three lakes in acres of mixed uses, such as large and the area," Sauer said. "We wantedl some small retailers, restaurants, offices, resi -Tim Murnane thing that would attract people and be deuces, a library, community and civic vice president, real estate development unique for Maple Grove.But when I found buildings and outdoor amenities such as out the idea was to possibly build an 01d trails, three lakes and, possibly, a band Opus Northwest LLC fashioned downtown, I wasn't too sure about it.I was under the impression down shell. Of course what makes Arbor Lakes towns were not surviving:' unique, according to civic leaders,devel It looks as if Maple Grove's new down opers and residents,is the small downtown ta,where people still like to live out in the Like the downtown buildings, they, too, town,which had a grand opening party that area, which is anchored on, of course, a woods In man of these new downtowns have brick exteriors and what looks to be included a parade this spring,is doing quite newly created Main Street. they put restdentta units a ove the retail second floors(they are indeed false second well. stores. We didn't think that would work floors complete with windows). "We're hearing from many tenants that How did it happen? here, even though we knew we wanted "When you come to an intersection and their stores or restaurants (in the Arbor There was no doubt about it, Maple housing near the downtown.And we also look.away from the downtown and catch a Lakes downtown) are their best stores in Grove was, and still is, on a fast track of found that there are some thins ou ust glimpse of the big retailers behind the terms of sales, or are in their top five," commercial,residential and office devel can 4 . You can t dust Dui d it and wait smaller stores,you'll think they're part of terms of says. "And when you hear that, opment. In the last 13 years or so, the for the people to come." the downtown as well," Anderson says. ou realize this is working." booming city of an estimated 52,000 peo Anderson is referring to the fact that "That was the goal—to create the idea y In developing •its leasing strategy,Opus pie continued to add hundreds of thou- some of the other newly developed small that the downtown extends beyond what it decided to reserve most of the store spaces sands of square feet of new development. downtowns around the country rely solely actually is" at intersections for restaurants. So far,the And the proposals kept coming in for more on small retailers to draw customer traf c. Like most small downtowns, Arbor lineup includes Panera Bread, f ar,t le restaurants,numerous big box retailers— Niether Opus nor KKE believed that would Lakes'Main Street also has several build Mexican Grill, Noodles & Co., Leeann such as Best Buy and Old Navy—offices, work in Maple Grove. So,Anderson and ings with rentable space on its second Chin and others. The other storefronts strip malls galore,lots of new housing,and the designers decided to try a uni ueQlan floors in addition to those buildings that include doth national and local tenants, hold on. to use big box retailers as part of the own- have the false second floors.The rentable such as Schuler Shoes, Mark Michael That's what the city and a longtime town aTtraction. The result is a layout in second floor spaces are occupied by many Design Jewelers, Shoe 's on Main flower major landowner told Opus, which was which big box retail stores,such as Jo-Ann traditional, second floor downtown ten shop and women's clothing. planning to continue with the successful etc.and Best Buy,are located close behind ants, such as insurance offices and other The downtown still has another block to formula for more commercial development and share some parking with the small service related businesses. be completed,and Murnane says Opus has in the area just north of I 694 and east of retail shops on Main Street. While Murnane says the cityand Ander signetion d restaurants, such as Houlihan's, rr 1-94 as it heads toward St.Cloud. "Creating a downtown is a great idea son deserve plenty of credit for how the Buca di Beppo and Ground Wound's new "We came out here in 1993 and did and should attract customers,but we also downtown is turning out,he also says the concept,to ci•rcle the critical i new Maple Grove Crossing with many national had to understand what the market could impetus came from Gary Sauer at Tiller of Elm Creek Boulevard and Main Street. retailers, and then were doing small outlot bear,"Murnane says. `And that meant we Corp. and Charlie McCrossan of C.S. As Opus moves Arbor Lakes into its developments of 2 to 3 acres at a crack," needed the draw of the bii retailers to help McCrossan Co.The firms have been min second and third phases during the next says Tim Murnane, vice president, real din Street.Most retailers or restau- ing gravel in the area since the 1960s,sell- years,there will be to draw pex estate development for Opus Northwest. rateurs don't just say, `Oh,you're building ing portions of the 2,000 acres they once few to the area,will be plenty says. For exam "After we did the first project,we had four a small downtown,we want in"' owned as they progress. ple, Maple Grove's 90,000 square foot Obi'five more national retailers wanting to The big box retailers that help draw cus "The landowners could have kept on government center, complete with City be in Maple Grove 'because it is such a suc tourers and businesses, however, do not selling 5 a74:1 a time for piecemeal ARBOR L l ete to next page cessful location; it draws both an outstate resemble most traditional big box retailers. developmeolong time," Murnane clientele and people from the northwest �,t 7t7quadrant,, 1 ,, % F a � s �i kBut city Officials and that landowner,the .- . -.,� ��",,,i -; 4,,,,,-, : �y ,`s 3;E `a a ra� �, ae,�ry `,� ��.e�.5�,;,iC .�ax�n � ..� � 4� z� s i'se �s � E v: ' .c ' ,.mow.. Tiller Corp.,a holding company fora funs b ' dsat �; .o eL; P t 7.„t �.„s, sa ga ,, -€�. . ss ;,;:i�.' - :01 e a Lai E �- 3 „ate r �- that has long mined gravel in Maple Grove, j f ;`-`ti _ A t ,. � t` -� _ l j i. � . t .- - ,, ' {TtY: ti 3 :� ro. 'r`°ea� x metro- t4 '3 } �� '$ €a ?� ira�'- `t` a said they wanted something different. ,,, Y +' $ ,7 "We could have done another owerAill �x f m .ANS � - a . .4`' `:1:4.,• ,, " center that would have been very success :11.174.0i, j , ;< 4 `` ful,"Murnane sa s."But the cit and G '``. t ,1 ,;, '`' 'l "' '• Wigg r t# a Sauer at Tiller Corp. wantedya distin t '''' #' ,1. r ` � t �: 1 f d �» F downtown. They wanted to explore the ,1101111111110”,- ��1 �, y" � !-7. 4 :dI `? idea of new urbanism;neo traditional plan ° .4 } ;M¢ s ,, a i y t' ` mil .Theywanted a downto n e ' i � 1 ¢ ' iR6 ::,-,-t-,-,.:Ti."-.7:,,,,,,:ii!;,:/.1:,,,:,..0,,,vi'',::".,- ,� 4 g �, .; ,,,, ,tai"3 ,, ttThat's when Opus hooked up with KKE .C?~.rp{� 1� {, r} . ., ,� ¢Architects and architect Kathy Anderson ' ". '- Jig' ' ,7 it ` - ` (see related colunm on page 15 j."The idea :cr was to not continue with the development r••+:y` :t �. • � ' ' w ^ '� of the old-time suburbs,where there were ,-1:'"''''',,i,,-;;,-;:," ``t, " :I, °I:, 1111,'''''='::11442",t rA��,3„,,..„,,,,,,,;,:,,,,,,,,,;:;...,,,,,..3:7,,,,,,,„,„„„..„� lots of cul-de-sacs so residents could be ` . 1 R "� t t � *. isolated from their neighbors, and where • 4 ��`� ir, .,I , stripcenters acted as the downtown areas,” ��` * "` tf i, t ;` , ! , �''' F } 1 * t4`4 Y ,041411 Anderson says. 4 , yin. .71 ,t.` �� '4 ;rte , `, :il Murnane adds, "We knew that small 2 ��s y , i-,,,,,,-47,444.40a.,14' r, f 1' .� downtowns and retail areas k ��f3„k ., a. Al t� . £g ,,` t , :: *,. - t and thrives in existing urban_were workingke = 1 � u k .- s _ > ” Highland Park in St. Paul and 50th and jy ' r { ? y s France in Edina. Hut the challenge here ,,,- .,e,�,,.,,,F 4,,¢" ' '� ,Yl ; i ',t17:: t�Fri was to do it from scratch:' ' i So Anderson,Murnane and several 0th s � i"' b� $ � , µ fi ers embarked on a fact-findin , idea en7,,:;:7;17:4;;;:,-..:-1:',i,;,-,;':;7,,,,;:.; . i� •erating mission.They flew to four places tti:�` e,': l 'i ` ' ' ' • `• ' in the United States where small down � . y ., ` ii 4 ' towns and business districts had been cre ki.,,,,,,i1„,....1;iii,,,,,,f_.,i,„;,,c;,:z;,,:,,,,,:,,,,t, � � � ��-� � , ,�.�f � _ +�,,cdi,,,,:.,.:;:it.,;;::::i,,,,,,,,::: _,,:„ , _,, ,,, ,, ,,.: _. i, ated and were receiving greatfanfareasW' < ' - : r y examples of new urbanism. -Ji k , a � }a: ._ "I think we actually found more of what g w" trot to do;' recalls Anderson. "For one Residents say the downtown is working, with its mix of restaurants and retail, and design details, such as brick thing,these other places weren't Minneso- sidewalks and decorative light posts. Page 14 Minnesota ReOate Journal 0 _ _ ._ , •t7, 2000 ` t4 REPORTS ARBOR LAKES from previous page location,location.And these townhomes are located literally within steps of a large Hall,is being built just north of the down- " it, grocery store(Byerly's),restaurants,cof- ¢t town area.City Planner Bob Waibel says ,� fee shops, convenience stores, the trails GG ® like t looko the city is still hopeful Hennepin County i y" around the lakes and other stores to meet really ,/ � � will add a branch library across the street A people's needs.And in the future there will ;; fi from the government center. ; be the entertainment component,City Hall Zt, It brings back .` In addition,Opus recently signed a lease and others. When you walk down there, ]] .. agreement with Atlanta-based Megastar you can hear people talking about how it memories of theoldsnu an Cinemas for a 16 screen, 3,500 seat multi- seems as if the downtown area has turned » plex theater just south of the downtown �� size back time." downtoW • area. Also in the planning stage is a x 4 , Hagen says he believes the design of the 500,000 square foot"lifestyle center"with rtownhomes adds to their success. For —Joe Scheinost .three main anchor tenants of at least 75,000 1 itlir;f7,,,:.4.11,:', resident { ' example, he says the units are made of a square feet. L � , � � ii, t 1 brick exterior that fits in with the look of , �g � 41 Maple Grove m When Arbor Lakes is complete, there A , it4�'�' ft`ll the downtown buildings,and they have the also will be 350,000 square feet of Class A � � g latest in Internet accessible wiring,private PIT =° office space.So far,one office building,the ' 4� � {s °, 3 tlground-level patios and over-sized,two-car nearlycompleted, 85,000 square foot VIA d°< ' � e 8 P .� � �� \if?' �� x �,�� garages. �. Arbor Lakes Medical Building, is 80 per- ° � s f ° � Call the downtown area what you will, «there was only a strip mall and a Dar i lir , • cent leased. 4. ry "Everything that's going into the area, 04- ; - 1t � °° nmg new but the people who frequent Plan Queen." from the overnment center to the multi . •b, „�.;;z, _ , "When I heard they were going to put ini p ex to the li r and the offices,are corn- on plussed with such terms.They just like sa ayPHOTO COURTESY OF KKe ARCHITECTS INCINC• the idea of having a downtown. a downtown area here,I didn't think it was ponents that offer built-in traffic for the On a recent weekday morning,Panera a very good place for it," Maguire saysfr . restaurants and sho s" Humlocal Humane says. An Arbor Lakes decorative detail Bread was crowded with people who pored who works for the school district. "And then at of er times, the downtown "But now,I think it's really great.I'm from ' area will act as a focal point for the corn- over the newspaper or chatted with friends the small town of Virginia, so I reallymu over coffee and baked goods. appreciate small downtowns.It adds a lot other . It's where parades will be, and walking distance of the small shops and °I really like the look of it," says Joe pp other gatherings. If they have fireworks, restaurants. The units from one to of character to such a growing area.Now, ,1 theywill probablytakeplace in the area, rangein ost, a Maple Grove resident who is all I need out here is a Dayton's and I'll three bedrooms, and vary in price,includ- in sales. "It brings back memories of the „ maybe at one of the three lakes." in about 25 units considered affordable never have to leave town. -John Mugford g old small downtowns.My wife and I come , housing,Hagen says. down here a lot because it has what we I The consumers "As soon as we finish a unit,it's rented need, like restaurants and shops, and John Mugford is a freelance writer And what do the people who use the out immediate) ," sa s. "No matter based in Excelsior. downtown and its surroundinguses think? Y Hageny because it's a fun place to be." how much we progress in our ideas of Kate Maguire and her family moved to Hans Hagen Homes is in the process of development, having a successful real Maple Grove in 1987, when, as she said, 4i developing 125 rental townhomes within estate project still comes down to location, „'1 } r 1 St. Paul BOMA 14th Annual Golf & Tennis Tournament A Big THANK YOU to the following members of St.Paul BOMA for their support. ,. A beautiful day at Tartan Park was enjoyed by 224 Golfers and 27 Tennis Players-participants and friends for dinner totaled 294. Tent Sponsors: Electric Resource Contractors Door°Prizes Provided By: p C.B.Richard Ellis Grinnell Fire Protection Systems Co. Allied Parking,Inc. WinStar Hines/St.Paul Port Authority ..Barrett Moving and Storage Co. UNICCO Service Company ICI Dulux Paints _ Harmon Glass Marsden Building Maintenance Imperial Parking Tennis Sponsor: McGough Construction Co.,Inc. Millar Elevator Ziegler,Inc. MountainStar Group Minnesota Life Northern States Power-Gas Minnesota Street Associates Hors D'oeuvres Sponsor: OneSource Nath Companies Standard Parking Pinkerton Security Northern States Power Schindler Elevator Corporation Radisson Hotels Hole Sponsors: Stahl Construction Teligent Communications Allied Parking,Inc. Standard Parking Thyssen Lagerquist Elevator American Building Maintenance System One Control Viking Electric American Commercial Security Services United Properties Voss Lighting Bester Brothers Transfer&Storage Vance International Weber Electric Burns International Security Services Voss Lighting Ziegler,Inc. , Weber Electric -' r Central Roofing Company . Western Waterproofing Company Commonwealth Electric of Minnesota g Yale;lnc. ; < 4 r 4 /:..iv 1 qtr I .z s f� a 4 F t 3 "Other than one or two little .spots, it isn't unique in any way. I wish it were. I think it's a very blah cit). MAUREEN GERAGHTY BOUCHARD,ROSEMOUNT RESIDENT ABOUT THE CITY'S DOWNTOWN • 3s ' r 1=,.. YY € 4S ,,,,yg ��,,,,t4i to i„ , V "ia Ri 4'` ,,pf ro.._ " -:-°'...., 4, /-.vsz V m r 1 ,;,4t., G � � te' " ' ,„ . � 1+,,,,,,.„,t, Yome4.-7-17-7-7----:—..—n. + , *w '1 ,, a ''` a 5 .x� .. • � `� � ' s r} 1d '� } s� g � tv 1�.d�lxry1��a; � '" �, ert i � 111t1110.0.,1,0",...11.4,144.1,' A"4C, i ,.,.I,' ,, ^" a 'fi r 4 �, �r xt e�, ,t x r , - s • .an-r'''.�, #,*-1'. J.rte` 11L * 'rIP 4, ', 4' t ,k o y i:r ow l` ':":;" 5<Y ;ap ;«r r b meg, "^'' 4 sPl:iti t s . .Yy � i, :h^ g re:-'4,t,it-t.,;;A-.7.1''-Z;t : .-..impr! li i};, +v k,, w n�""; 0-v,,-,45.-44,,r,' 4f,7 ','E) "z 1•-r w ren Yr :. -, ,,,.44' I Lt a.4 ; t.... - r V c , „a„,,..1 ' F � . °°# " 1` t t a " til"? . �y ,, mg . sa41,7,5,M1-0/1`,"144-..k , , k? 0 '_,-,-,71,4#PE,-;f'--,,.--:tc',:f3--'i=;,k*el:--rfit:3.,., 4„.,,,-.- .':4,:tw,...4.z,2124*- -'qo- ,'; ,Akr, . -'" nkhw mow,r -.;':“.t4"-,$7- T-:-` ,:" t�;g ,4;. '4--.tit `s, .° �,.� w,',,, �`- r, . ,,-7 0,,,, iLL -v 4 1 x.u,.?'�"">`,rzx :1-,"-'''''''"i:,"4'''''4" r` t. !' 1 -,-.4",4.4.4... ��"nt.,.,fv, .6:a cx§.Ev �, + �' fid. k } z ,.�,� �. ..ro'"„�. �� —e,kh yawl ..a . -A�*� � '� 4 __. '^�,. "'$�... DAWN vILLELLA.PIONEER PRES: It's another morning of what Don Ratzlaff calls"useless conversation and morning coffee at his service station in Rosemount. From left, Fell: Kropelnicki, Jerry Fluegel, Dave Sparks and Ratzlaff shoot the breeze at the station in downtown Rosemount. The city is trying to figure ou how to get others to come downtown just to socialize.Some doubt that a S3 million development plan is the answer. e 0 very morning, old-timers But not everything downtown works as IF YOU GO Rosemount'sgather at Ratzlaff's garage in well. The Champion Auto store has sat downtown Rosemount to shoot vacant for several months and is still 'WHAT: Open downtown has fallen the breeze. They arrive early :, covered in ugly fluorescent signs. Citizens house on and help. themselves to black :say some buildings need_maior renovation Rosemount's coffee in the corner of the tiny office in or should be torn down. The whole'area proposed on 12ard times as the service station with mustard-colored needs more restaurants, shops and places downtown ' cinder block, walls. There isn't - to hang out, according to some streetscape plan businesses on nearbyBY AMY residents. •WHEN:4:30 enough room for' chairs, so they , lean up against shelves, which SHERMAN > "It's kind of shabby," said p.m.today thoroughfares boom. are patched with duct tape. Laura Andrews, a resident. "It •WHERE: City The garage, owned by the STAFF WRITER feels likenobodycares about it Hall,2875 145th 0 But residents question same family since 1941, is too much." St.W. symbolic of much of this small down- Rosemount is considering a $3 million whether a $3 million town. It isn't pretty, but it's got character project to spruce up downtown wi 1 new and history. While Rosemount is growing stree iggiffs, ening`an tees, among facelift can lure and changing fast its population of otner things. It's one of many suburbs about 14,500 is expected to double in the that are trying to invigorate old down- shoppSIZO ers back next 20 years — its downtown is still the towns or create new ones. pp kind of place where Don Ratzlaff knows DOWNTOWN CONTINUED ON 2B o. all his customers'names. • N TUESDAY, AUGUST 1. 2000 L 0 C A These days, downtown :' • Rosemount looks like a X +ghost town, some residents say. "It's kind 'a -' ' • ,°'°-"'''',':-.• 4 'i 1 of shabby,"said resident iV it ,I ' • ' Laura Andrews. xs > _ "It feels like :kg ` r ,f ::.ii,:: nobody cares � a about it." The .y M �" �': gds a 3 ; development r `� , i � oc. 1 £ 4'4 � %� F plan proposes g v x sxr ' i ' ' i $ rucin Up t k '� M � �lgilt xlPrA � i` n ,g2i� V -k ,i 4�g,k xd ' _ �" , h �downtown with " lra 'Y su :lif , , E 9. new lights, :t6 4 � fencing, trees, tgeit a�i;k '' , azo u Y�3;$ 11,: a g; ll and more. DAWN VILLELLA/PIONEER PRESS . but I don't want there to be exces- for its shakes, burgers and '50s "- sive improvements." memorabilia..Genz-Ryan plumbing The first phase of Rosemount's has benefited from the rapid ®CONTINUED FROM 1B project has already been approvedgrowth in the area. Friends gather. and will begin by. late September. at Morning Glory's bakery to sip Burnsville's "Heart of the City" That piece involves work along drinks with names like "Pepper- project will include hanging-flower South Robert Trail between 143rd mint Bon-Bon" and to relax to the baskets and decorative ightp01',es and 145th streets and includes. sound of the tranquillity fountain. with banners on than. Lakeville adding lights, burying power lines, Yet for the most part, this isn't a city leaders dream of a town road work and improving a'park- downtown where people hang out. III square with a fountain_ visitors' and ride lot. The cost for that seg- Customers say they hop in their center _and farmers' market. Oak ment is about $600,000. cars, drive to each shops get what Park Heights plans to create a The goal of the project is to make: they need. and leave. They choose downtown that will include a cen- shopping downtown more enjoyable .to shop here as.an alternative to tralgreen for festivals, housing and for customers, attract new business- nearby megastores for the personal commercial areas. They share the es and create a more pedestrian- service andsmall-town feeling. similar goals of creating attractive, friendly area, said Mayor Cathy'., .Longtime resident Mary Duffy pedestrian-friendly downtowns that Busho. The mayor said she disagrees explains why she still "shops at the offer something different than with those who describe the area as • local Horizon Pharmacy - which. nearby big-box retail strips. a ghost town. "There's always hustle most refer to by its old name, Loch. Many business owners and citi- and bustle going on," she said. Pharmacy'- rather than the Wal- zens agree that downtown Rose- Not everyone cares about down- greens on 42: "At Loch they were mount needs a breath of fresh air. town. Many residents do most of good to.me when my husband died. But some feel the city's proposal their shopping an County Road 42 I would have to stay loyal to them." is more like a windstorm. — home -to big-box retailers. and Old-timers.like'Duffy remember They are particularly irked by a endless strip malls in Rose the '50s and '60s when the vibrant proposal to reduce the number of mount and Apple Valley. downtown was one of the main street accesses from South Robert "To me downtown doesn't exist, shopping centers in the county. Trail, the main thoroughfare in more or less, anymore," said Dave There was Duffy Brothers grocery, downtown. Andrews, who has lived in Rose- an upscale •clothing shop and car' ` Business owners like some ele- mount for about 10 years. Down- dealerships. "You used to be able' :Merits of the plan, such as burying town "doesn't have.'any sentimen- to come here and buy everything, - `sower _lines_ and installing more tal value to me. If everythLng but shoes," said JoAnne Cope, who.' 11ghts,,. moves to (County Road) 42, that's works downtown. '`The city is seeking comments on fine with me." It isn't fine with Eventually, historic buildings . :the proposal and hopes to start the Maureen Geraghty Bouchard':. were torn down, and the area faded jiroject in the spring. No decisions Downtown means a lot to long- as business boomed in nearby silb- .11ave been made about how to standing families in town, said e u bs. As the number of stores con- :finance the 'work, which is esti- fifth-generation Rosemount rai tinues to increase on County Road mated at '$3 million. That con- dent. The area isn't dying, she 42, some question whether the. • cern Kim Mohrhauser, an owner insists, but it needs help. "Other small, independent businesses in'° :of Fluegel's grain elevator, who than one or two little spots, it isn't downtown can make it. 'doesn't want to see assessments unique in any way. I wish it were: "I wonder if 15 years from now :hut down businesses. . . . I think it's a very blah city." if this will be downtown Rose -` "I'm worried about paying for There are clear signs that some mount or if 42 will be considered things that aren't really needed," businesses are successful. Fluegel's downtown Rosemount," said Mohrhauser said. "Yes I would wants to expand. Big Daddy's diner William Schneider, owner of love to see improvements done, attracts customers from all over McDivot's Sports Pub & Eatery.