WORKSHOP ITEM Erik Thorvig, Economic Development Coordinator
Title
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR PORTION OF TOWN SQUARE DRIVE CITY PROPERTY
Background
Staff has been working with a dentist currently located in the office building at corner of Radisson Road and Town Square Drive about expanding his business to a new location. Ideally he’d like to construct and own a new building in Blaine. Several sites were reviewed however he has strong interest in the City owned land next to his current building.
The 7.39 acre site was identified as the preferred community center site however the referendum did not pass last fall. The council has had several conversations about the future use of the property since, which has included potentially selling a portion of the site for development.
A development proposal is included that would create a 1.58 acre parcel next to the existing office building. Site development would include 16,500 sf. of office space with 89 parking stalls. The building is designed to have mezzanine space over main level offices giving the building a more vertical appearance. The exterior material would match that of other buildings in the area. The dentist would take a portion of the building and lease the remaining to other local businesses.
If 1.58 acres is sold, that leaves 5.81 acres for other uses. One use that has been discussed by the city council is indoor recreation/gym space. Included is a drawing that represents how a 50,000 sf. recreation use with parking could fit on the remaining land. The 50,000 sf. building size is based on information that was provided in the community center study for a 4-court gym with spectator seating, locker rooms and lobby area. There is also additional land that could be available for other office/commercial uses or a larger recreation use building.
Staff has discussed a potential sale price of the land and would propose a price of $7/sf. This is based on comparable vacant commercial land sales/listings in Blaine. The proposed asking price would be $481,773.
If direction to move forward is given it is possible the project could start this fall.
Recommendation
Discuss the proposal and provide direction to staff.