4.1. SR 08-11-2008ITEM 4.1.
giver MEMORANDUM
TO: Economic Development Authority
City Council
FROM: Jeff Gongoll
Community Development Director
DATE: August 11, 2008
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION: Development of "Gateway" Business Park
and Surrounding Area
PURPOSE
A key area of the City, including City property, is available for what many view as our next
significant opportunity for effective and inspiring economic development projects. The
intention of this meeting is to:
1. Seek consensus to the following:
Who - do we want to market this property to?
What -type of land use is appropriate/suitable?
When - do we want the property to be developed in order to market it accordingly?
2. Provide an update of activities (A.) and an opportunity to re-examine the issues regarding
the Gateway development site and surrounding area (B.).
A. STATUS
1. Entertainment Proposal
The proposed project was originally submitted to the EDA in October 2007. In early July
2008, we were informed that the location of the project, encompassing approximately 14
acres, has shifted east onto City property, generally Outlot C of the Gateway Business Park
plat (attached). Initially the proposed site was along Highway 10. However, a site plan has
not been submitted.
EDAICity Council Workshop
August 11, 2008
Page-2-of3
2. Land Valuation
At the July 7th meeting, the City Council gave authorization to hire an appraiser to better
understand the dynamics of this property and the marketplace. This will provide us with a
stronger position for reviewing and possibly selling the property to the appropriate
developer and/or development. Nagell Appraisal & Consulting is conducting the
appraisal. (The EDA has previously reviewed their work through the appraisal of the Post
Office property on Line Avenue). Once complete, it will be submitted for staff review
followed by a probable Executive Session meeting with the City Council for review and
discussion.
In this regard, we are aware of two parties that have expressed interest in Outlot C; one in
a verbal expression as "an investment," and one by receipt of a letter requesting
approximately 5 acres of the northern portion of Outlot C (along 171St Avenue). And, we
were contacted by Globe College regarding their interest in placing a facility in Elk River
(requiring 3 - 4 acres). Although Gateway was not offered as a location by the City due to
its light industrial/non-retail nature, a portion of Outlot C was suggested to them through
a third party developer.
B. DISCUSSION
1. Issues
We are consequently faced with the following issues/questions to better prepare an
effective and ultimately successful series of development projects that are suitable for this
site in support of our growing city:
- What are the goals for development (i.e., jobs, tax base, etc.)? What do we want to see
here? Priorities?
^ highway commercial
^ business professional
^ service
^ light industrial
- Should the property be marketed as one large parcel (e.g., with a "Master Developer"),
or platted and sold as individual parcels?
- How soon should the property be developed?
- Once priorities have been established are we willing to wait for development?
2. 171St Focused Area Study (171St FAST)
The Community Development department is seeking to develop a strategy to complement
and maximize the benefits of the Northstar Commuter Rail to the City. We anticipate
many ancillary activities and development opportunities to occur because of this; however,
a formal plan has not been formally discussed or established. The Gateway property plays
a significant role in any future development in this area. Furthermore, the immediate
surrounding properties can be important contributors as this area develops into a node of
commerce and industry.
EDAICity Council Workshop
August 11, 2008
Page-3-of3
We should also consider the impacts this area will have on the entire community and how
this new transit mode can benefit the rest of Elk River. An expanded "benefit area" may
include such items as satellite parking, an infra-city shuttle bus operation, enhanced
pedestrian and bicycle paths, etc. Possible redevelopment activities may also become
available along the east Hwy. 10 corridor in support of this new transit operation.
If we want to proceed with this type of expanded study, the FAST could provide short and
long range guidelines fox development and possible redevelopment opportunities
surrounding the Northstar Rail station. An effective plan will also establish expectations
for land uses and design guidelines in and around the station.
SUMMARY
Effective development requires equally effective planning. Discussion and consensus of these
issues will provide the direction to successfully plan, market, and develop this property.
Have we arrived at a consensus of: Who, What & When?
Who -big box retail, neighborhood retail, light industrial?
What -highway business, community commercial, light industrial?
When -now, market driven, new development, redevelopment?
Next Steps
With goals and priorities established, we will then be able to begin the process of preparing a
Marketing Plan that can identify these priorities, offer a suggested site plan and provide an
analysis of possible incentives that could be available.
In order to prepare a complete Marketing Plan, certain steps will need to be fulfilled. These
steps will include such items as review of the property appraisal, determining the proper land
use, and establishing the associated property costs, including infrastructure improvements and
wetland mitigation.
This activity will be brought back to the EDA and Council for review, discussion and direction
to launch the Marketing Plan.
Attachments:
^ Aerial of Gateway Business Park
^ Gateway Business Park Plat
^ Option "B" from June 11, 2007, EDA meeting.
^ EDA Meeting Minutes: April 9, 2007 & June 11, 2007
^ Executive Summary -Gateway Market Study, March 2007, Maxfield Research, Inc.
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Economic Development Authority Minutes
Apri19, 2007
Page 2
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER DWYER AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER MOTIN TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 07-01 APPROVING THE
DECERTIFICATION OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT N0.15
WITHIN DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NO.1 IN THE CITY OF ELK RIVER.
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
6. Other Business
Mr. Clark noted that information on a proposed road alignment for TH 10 from a
Mn/DOT representative was personal opinions of that person and not what is being
proposed by Mn/DOT.
l~djourn to Worksession for Discussion on Gateway Business ('enter Development
Grant Martin, Maxfield Research, Inc., provided an explanation of the study his firm
completed for the Gateway Business Park. He reviewed the methodology used by his
company. He stated the Park has limited market use for office and retail based on access and
visibility to TH 10. Mr. Martin stated he found industrial demand for the site. He
recommended 40 acres dedicated to owner-occupied industrial space and 20 acres for multi-
tenant lease space. He stated the focus of the study was for the city-owned property.
Mr. Barnhart stated he is looking for direction on the type of land uses the EDA would like
to see for the Park.
Commissioner Motin stated the access issues for this Park are not any different then the
Wal-mart location.
Mr. Clark stated there could be some retail in the Park but questioned how much the EDA
would like to see.
Commissioner Gongoll stated the surrounding properties need to be considered for
development of the Park.
Commissioner Klinzing concurred. She stated people shouldn't have to go through industrial
properties to get to commercial properties.
Commissioner Tveite stated if the EDA wants retail it may need to wait until there is more
of a demand.
Commissioner Farber concurred.
Commissioner Dwyer concurred. He questioned if the train station was considered in the
study.
Mr. Barnhart stated he has spoken to a couple of the property owners and they are looking
to put in commercial/retail.
Commissioner Gongoll stated the consensus of the EDA is to see more of a retail
component in the Park. He stated he would like to see a higher level of architectural
standards, some high-tech infrastructure, and a different name for the Park.
Economic Development Authority Minutes Page 3
Apri19, 2007
Ms. Mehelich questioned the types of retail the EDA would like to see.
Commissioners Motin and Klinzing stated they would like to see a big bog retail area similar
to the Wal-mart area in Elk River.
Commissioner Gongoll stated he could see it as a small boutique neighborhood center.
Mr. Barnhart created a sample drawing of the land uses the EDA is requesting.
Mr. Maurer stated there will be some constraints to the site due to wetlands and gas lines.
Ms. Mehelich questioned how Maxfield Research, Inc., considered the viability of developing
retail in this proximity from the rail station.
Mr. Martin stated the key feature they considered for the rail station is walkability. He stated
if a site can be walkable, you will keep people there to utilize the retail; but once they are in
the car they can go anywhere. He stated the city shouldn't count on rail as a draw for retail.
Commissioner Moon disagreed with the walkability component. He stated people coming
home at the end of night don't walk and shop and they don't have time in the morning to
shop. He stated commuters plan their trips to the rail station to within five minutes of an
available train. He stated it is not walkable from the rail station to the Gateway Business
Park.
Ms. Mehelich stated people catching the train will come and go in short time frames limited
to the train's arrival. She questioned the support of retail businesses for the non-commuter
times throughout the day. She noted initially there w~11 be limited train trips from the station.
Mr. Claxk noted there will be competition with Elk River Station and their retail
development.
Ms. Mehelich questioned if the study area scope was broadened to include adjacent private
parcels for development, would that improve the market opportunity for retail.
Mr. Martin stated it would but the city would need to improve the access to the southern
portion of the site.
8. Adjournment
The meeting of the Elk River Economic Development Authority adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Tina Allard
City Clerk
MEETING OF THE ELK RIVER
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
HELD AT THE ELK RIVER CITY -HALL
MONDAY, JUNE 11, 2007
Members Present: President Gongoll, Commissioners Dwyer, Farber, HIinzing, Motin, and
Zerwas
Members Absent: Commissioner Tveite
Staff Present: Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich, Planning
Manager Jeremy Barnhart, City Engineer Terry Maurer, and Recording
Secretary Jessica Miller
Call Meeting To Order
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the meeting of the Economic Development
Authority was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by President Gongoll.
Consider Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER KLINZING AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER FARBER TO APPROVE THE AGENDA. MOTION
CARRIED 6-0.
3. Consider Consent Agenda
MOVED BY COMMISSIONER DWYER AND SECONDED BY
COMMISSIONER FARBER TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS
FOLLOWS:
3.1. MAY 14, 2~7 MINUTES
3.2. CHECS REGISTERS
3.3. BALANCE SHEET
3.4. REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT
MOTION CARRIED 6-0.
4. en Mike
No one appeared for open mike.
5, consider Gatew~.y Business C'.enter Development Concevts
Planning Manager Jeremy Barnhart explained that at the April 9, 2007 EDA meeting, staff
was directed to develop three conceptual layouts for discussion on the Gateway project. Mr.
Bamhart stated that the consensus of the EDA was that the park should have more of a
retail component. Mr. Bamhart reviewed the assumptions staff made in development of the
plans. Mr. Barnhart then presented the three options as follows:
Economic Development Authority Minutes
June 11, 2007
Page 2
O tion A
Includes a variety of lot sizes, including three big box lots (10-17 acres), three smaller
commercial lots, and 9.57 acre industrial parcel in the southeast. The plan includes aright-in
off of Highway 10, The smaller commercial lots are served via a `backage' road between
Highway 10 and Ulysses. Option A has the greatest impact to existing wetlands, and a big
portion of property west of Ulysses is used to mitigate these wetlands. An additional 11 acres
of wetlands would need to be mitigated elsewhere. Option A requires the mitigation of 12.14
acres (24.3 acres).
O 'on B
Shows two big box retail sites immediately adjacent to Highway 10, sized 19-28 acres. This
plan provides more land for industrial sites, although any of the lots on any of the plans
could conceivably be converted to industrial uses based on size. The plan also utilizes a
right-in off of Highway 10. This plan has slightly reduced impact to the wetlands, requiring
mitigation of approximately 9.64 acres (19.3 acres). Any access off of Highway 10 would
require MnDOT approval.
tion C
Includes small ancillary commercial lot in the NW corner, two big box lots along Highway
10, and 5-9 acre commercial sites on the east side of Ulysses. A 12-acre industrial site is
located in the SE corner. There is minimal impact to wetlands (1.1. acres) requiring only the
creation of 2.2 acres. This plan effectively requires the acquisition of the Weicht property.
President Gongoll indicated that Commissioner Tveite was unable to attend the meeting but
provided his comments via email. President Gongoll shared these comments. He stated that
Commissioner Tveite's preference is Option B with the revision from "big box" to
"commercial" to allow the city as much flexibility as possible to address potential users.
Commissioner Tveite also prefers Option B because of the industrial presence away from
the Highway and near the RDF plant. President Gongoll explained that Commissioner
Tveite would like to the city to reach out to private land owners to verify their plans and see
if they are willing to work with the city on land acquisition. Commissioner Tveite also noted
in his email that even though the market survey wasn't optimistic about commercial/retail
along Highway 10, he believes the highway offers an asset down the road (i.e., 5 years) and
he would want to keep an eye towards this use fronting the highway.
President Gongoll concurred with Commissioner Tveite's comments.
Commissioner HIinzing stated that Option B best reflects what she would like to see. She
believes the area will be valuable for commercial and likes the size of the lots.
Commissioner Motin questioned if staff could check with Cargill and see if they are
interested in developing their portion of the neighboring property in the future. He stated
that he was leaning towards Option A but has no problem with Option B.
President Gongoll indicated that he believes the best option is for the city to have
discussions with the property owners to see if they are interested in selling. I-Ie stated that if
the city owns the property then the city has the flexibility of when the property is developed.
Mr. Barnhart stated he felt that single ownership was necessary for the efficiency of the
development. He noted that if the city purchasing the neighboring land is not an option, the
city map want to consider selling their property to a neighboring landowner in order to
create a larger parcel.
Economic Development Authority Minutes
June 11, 2007
Page 3
Mr. Barnhart verified that the EDA indicated a preference for the land layout in option B.
He indicated that based on the EDA's direction, staff will begin discussions with
neighboring property owners regarding land acquisition.
Commissioner Motin noted that staff should also initiate discussions with Cargill. He added
that he is not interested. in the city land being bought out unless strict development
restrictions are placed on the land in order to control project quality.
Mr. Barnhart questioned the EDA's timing goal for opening of the Gateway project.
President Gongoll stated that the roads and utilities could be constructed and the market
could dictate the rest., but agreed that these improvements not be made by spring 2008. The
EDA concurred to wait for the market/development before moving dirt, but have
preliminary plans ready to go.
6. Uodate on Downtown Redevelopment Plan Taskforce
Director of Economic Development Catherine Mehelich provided an update on the
Downtown Redevelopment Plan Taskforce meeting. Ms. Mehelich explained that at the last
meeting, a large group visioning took place. She reviewed the proposed timeline as follows:
^ June 25 - Taskforce's first review of draft plan
^ July - Taskforce's final review of draft plan
^ August -Plan distributed to boards and commissions for comment
^ September -Three open houses held to gain public input
^ October/November - Taskforce review input received from boards /commissions
and public
^ December - HRA and Council adoption of plan
Ms. Mehelich outlined a few of the items identified by the Taskforce as part of the plan:
1. Revitalize and strengthen residential housing areas adjacent to the downtown.
2. Enhance the connection to the river.
3. Redefine core downtown from the traditional retail focus to improve economic success.
Look at other market opportunities like residential and specialized commercial to
strengthen the area.
4. Identify different land uses for north of Highway 10 to help maximize the market
opportunities but not compete with the southside of Highway 10 and the core
downtown.
7. Other Business
Ms. Mehelich indicated that Alliance Machine, 17520 Tyler Street, is having an open house
on June 13 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. to celebrate their new building.
8. Adjournment
There being no other business, President Gongoll adjourned the meeting of the Elk River
Economic Development Authority at 6:14 p.m.
Minutes prepared by Jessica Miller.
`An Analysis of the Market Potential for
Retail and Industrial Uses at the
Gateway Business Center in
Elk River, Minnesota
Prepared for:
City of Elk River
Elk River, Minnesota '
March 2007
-d
Inc.
615 First Avenue NE
Suite 400
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612.338.0012
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction
Maxfield Research Inc. was engaged by the City of Elk River to conduct market research and
provide analysis regarding current market conditions and the potential demand for retail and
industrial space at the Gateway Business Center.
The scope of this study includes an assessment of the Gateway .Business Center as a site for
highway retail and light industrial uses; an analysis of the relevant demographic growth trends
and characteristics affecting retail demand and industrial demand in the azea; an assessment of
retail and industrial development trends and current market conditions; and a projection of
demand for these uses that could potentially be captured by the Gateway Business Center.
Retail Conclusions
The following bullets summarize our findings for retail uses at the Gateway Business Center.
- The parcels designated for retail use at the Site suffer from access and visibility issues.
' The northwestern portion of the Gateway Business Center would have better access, due to
its proximity to 171st Avenue, but visibility is less than desirable because of the distance to
Highway 10. This area might have some marketability for destination retailers. However,
because there aze several developable parcels in the immediate azea that have better visibil-
ity, retailers would be more attracted to these sites.
~ The southwestern portion of the Gateway Business Center would have good visibility from
Highway 10. However, the access is poor. Customers would have to exit at 171st Avenue,
continue south on a proposed connector road, and finally tum down an access road or cul-
de-sac. We believe retailers would find this access too burdensome for customers, making
these parcels uncompetitive in the mazket. If access could be improved through the devel-
opment of an intersection at 167th Avenue, this parcel would have better market appeal.
- The retail market is strong in the Elk River Mazket Area, primarily driven by household
growth. The overall vacancy rate for competitive properties is about 10%, which is comps-
rable to the northwest Metro Area as a whole.
- Most potential retailers, however, would prefer to locate along the Highway 169 retail
corridor north of the Site. Other competitive sites in Ramsey, Otsego, and Rogers would
also impact demand at the Gateway Business Center. The overall competitive mazket fur-
ther reduces demand at the Site and ultimately would result in lower lease rates achievable at
the Site.
- Based on our Site analysis, demographic analysis, competitive market analysis, and inter-
views with retail brokers, we find demand for about 4,000-square feet of additional retail be-
tween 2008 and 2015.
i
MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC.
r. vt~l~i Trit lL` CiTIViMAi2V
DEMAND SUMMARY
ADDITIONAL DEMAND FOR RETAIL AND INDUSTRIAL SPACE
GATEWAY BUSINESS CENTER
ELK RIVER
MARCH 2007
...2006- to 2015
Total Annuall
Retail Buildings
City of Elk River 376,300 Sq. Ft. 41,800 Sq. Ft
Gateway Business Center 3,800 Sq. Ft. 400 Sq. Ft
2006 ta'2015
Total Annually ~
Industrial Buildings
City of Elk River 784,800 Sq. Ft. 87,200 Sq. Ft
Gateway Business Center 259,200 Sq. Ft. 28,800 Sq. Ft
Industrial Acreage
City of Elk River 106.0 Acres 11.8 Acres
Gateway Business Center. 35.0 Acres 3.9 Acres
* Data is summarized from demand calculations shown in Tables 10 and 21.
Data is adjusted slightly to make time comparisons the same.
Source: Maxfield Research Inc.
Industrial Conclusions
The following findings summarize our conclusions on industrial space demand at the Gateway
Business Center.
- Overall; the Site has excellent qualities for industrial use. It has excellent access to Highway
10, a key feature that industrial businesses would consider to be desirable.
- The surrounding uses aze compatible with industrial uses. In addition, the Site's proximity
to the proposed Northstaz Commuter Rail station would expand the potential labor pool for
employers located at the Gateway Business Center.
MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. 11
EXECUTIVE SUbIlVIARY
- The one issue that would make the Site less desirable for industrial space users is the dis-
tance to Interstate 94. This fact will segment the market for industrial users, and make the
Gateway Business Center site appealing to certain types of industrial users, similar to the ex-
isting mix of industrial users in Elk River currently.
- Industrial employment is projected to be strong in the region, especially in the Construction,
Wholesale Trade, and Transportation sectors. This projected growth will continue to drive
demand for industrial space in azeas with access to the State's transportation system
- Employment growth in Elk River has been steady. Over 2003 and 2006, Elk River added
several new industrial businesses, almost all small manufacturers, with about 200 new jobs
added.
- Manufacturing employers aze attracted to the quality labor force, good access to the trans-
portation system, lower land prices, and the availability of larger lots for potential expan-
sion. We believe that, even as manufacturing becomes a smaller part of the overall regional
economy, Elk River will remain an attractive location for these employers into the next dec-
ade.
- The industrial mazket in the northwestern Metro Area is strong and is improving. Between
2005 and 2006, we estimate that about 1.8 million-square feet of industrial leased space was
absorbed. Over that period, the vacancy rate in the sector declined from 10% to 7.5%.
- The industrial space market in Elk River is relatively strong. Affordability and availability
have driven industrial development in Elk River, where other azeas of the Twin Cities have
struggled due to higher land costs. The Elk River multi-tenant market is chazacterized by
newer facilities that aze still in their lease-up phases. These newer facilities tend to have
higher vacancy rates than the overall market. The industrial land market has also been rela-
tively strong; we estimate that between 2003 and 2006, the average absorption was about
67,500-square feet of industrial building space for owner-occupied industrial land.
- Based on our Site analysis, demographic analysis, competitive market analysis, and inter-
views with industrial brokers, we project that annual industrial land absorption in Elk River
will be about 11.8 acres per year. We believe the Gateway Business Center could capture
about one-third of this demand, or about four acres per yeaz.
Recommendations
Based on our analysis, we do not recommend traditional retail uses at the Site. The access,
visibility, and competitive mazket issues dictate that retail would struggle to fmd a market. We
recommend a mix of traditional industrial space (office warehouse, manufacturing) with more
non-traditional industrial space (office showroom, flexible office/wazehouse). We recommend
that the more traditional industrial space be located on the eastern portion of the Site, in the area
currently being designated as light industrial. We recommend developing the non-traditional
industrial space adjacent to Highway 10, where there would be better visibility. This western
MAXFIELD RESEARCH iNC. iii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
area is also adjacent to properties on Highway 10 that would likely be developed as retail in the
future.
We believe this strategy would provide the best opportunity to capture the spectrum of the
market, from manufacturers and transport firms that have traditionally operated in Elk River to
smaller distribution wholesalers and retailers who may want a more flexible space that better
caters to their business.
The table that follows shows our proposed development concept. The Gateway Business Center
is divided into two areas, one with single-user, owner-occupied parcels and the other with three
multi-tenant, leased industrial buildings.
RECOMMENDED DEVELOPMENT CONCEPT
GATEWAY BUSINESS CENTER
ELK RIVER
FEBRUARY 2007
Estimated Total
Lan@ Land Building Land Pric Land
Acres Ft . Ft. Per FL Price.
Lot # 1 3.0 130,680 20,000 - 25,000 $2.50 $326,700
Lot #2 3.0 130,680 20,000 - 25,000 $2.50 $326,700
Lot #3 3.0 130,680 20,000 - 25,000 $2.50 $326,700
Lot #4 3.0 130,680 20,000 - 25,000 $2.50 $326,700
Lot #5 3.0 130,680 20,000 - 25,000 $2.50 $326,700
Lot #6 3.0 130,680 20,000 - 25,000 $2.50 $326,700
Lot #7 4.0 174,240 25,000 - 35,000 $2.50 $435,600
Lot #8 4.0 174,240 25,000 - 35,000 $2.50 $435,600
Lot #9 4.0 174,240 25,000 - 35,000 $2.50 $435,600
Lot#10 5.0 217,800 35,000 - 45,000 $2.50 $544,500
Lot #11 5.0 217,800 35,000 - 45,000 $2.50 $544,500
Total 40.0 265,000 - 345,000
Estimated Tatai
Land Land Building Land Pric Land Achief able Lease Rates
Acres S Ft S . Ft. Per S Ft. Price
Building #1 6.7 290,400 40,000- - 60,000 $2.50 $726,000 $10.00 $4.50
Building #2 6.7 290,400 40,000 - 60,000 $2.50 $726,000 $10.00 $4.50
Building #3 6.7 290,400 40,000 - 60,000 $2.50 $726,000 $10.00 $4.50
Total 20.0 120,000 - 180,000
Source: Maxfield Research Inc.
MAXFIELD RESEARCH INC. iv