Workshop Item - Erik Thorvig, Community Development Director
Title
Development Proposal for EDA Property on 109th Avenue NE
Background
The City of Blaine EDA owns 80 acres of land south of 109th Ave., just east of the Sanctuary neighborhood. The EDA acquired this property in 2009 for $1,950,000. The property has extensive wetlands which makes development challenging. The property hasn’t been actively marketed however is a site that staff mentions for various site searches that may meet the unique criteria of the site.
Several years ago, staff was approached by an architect representing Liberty Sports Group, Inc. (LSG) who was completing a site search for an independent league minor baseball stadium. Staff provided them several sites, including the subject property. In mid-2020, the same architect reached out to staff again regarding the baseball stadium concept. In addition to the baseball concept, the architect is working with Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO) to locate a sports performance and physical therapy rehabilitation facility to expand their service offerings in Blaine and relieve pressure from their currently facility on Highway 65. TCO also indicated that a relationship with Blizzard Baseball would be a critical component to this new facility. Blizzard Baseball is a youth baseball development group. Blizzard Baseball and TCO would have a combined facility to capture the medical and athletic needs of each user.
In November 2020, the EDA entered into a letter of intent with the three different entities to explore the feasibility of development on the property. At that time the development group wanted to keep their interests confidential until they were able to determine the development feasibility of the property. Since November, there has been due diligence completed by the development group including a wetland survey, soil testing, engineering review, property survey, and preliminary cost review.
The development would consist of two different projects on the westerly 40 acres owned by the EDA. Page 3 and 4 of the attached narrative provides further information about each phase. Phase I would include the TCO and Blizzard Baseball projects on the westerly portion of the 40 acre property. This phase would provide a 20,000 sf. sports performance building for TCO and a 30,000 sf. facility for Blizzard Baseball dedicated to youth baseball training and development. In addition to the buildings, Blizzard Baseball would construct two outdoor baseball fields for the purposes of training and game play.
Phase II would include a 5,000-seat stadium for baseball, however be designed to accommodate community activities year-round. The narrative describes the independent baseball league component and LSGs involvement and experience. Further information will be provided by LSG at the meeting.
Page 6 of the attached narrative describes the findings of the site due diligence. In general, the westerly portion of the site where Phase I would be located is much more suitable both physically and financially for development. TCO and Blizzard Baseball is looking to proceed with development of Phase I and is seeking feedback from the City whether there is interest in this project. If so, the development group will continue to refine site development costs and make a proposal to purchase the land from the City. There may be additional discussions regarding the City of Blaine assisting in the cost of the ballfield construction and work out a plan that allows the local youth baseball and softball associations access for use of the fields.
There are significant site constraints that has led to the Liberty Sports Group (LSG) to explore alternative designs or locations for the baseball stadium in Blaine. The subject site isn’t necessarily off the table, however given the potential development costs they’d like to explore other options in Blaine. Staff will continue to work with them on the subject site and explore other options. LSG desires to have a future discussion with staff and the City Council regarding a public/private financing component of the stadium.
Staff Recommendation
The development group and staff are seeking direction on the following:
1. Is there interest in working with TCO and Blizzard Baseball for Phase I?
2. Is there interest to continue discussion about a public/private relationship for the Blizzard Baseball outdoor field component? Details aren’t ready to be discussed, however determining general interest to explore the option is desired.
3. Is the City interested in exploring options for a baseball stadium in Blaine either on the subject site or elsewhere in Blaine?
Attachment List
Site Location Map
Project Narrative
Phase I Site Plan - Alternative 1
Phase I Civil Plan
Phase I Site Plan - Alternative 2
TCO Images for Waconia Facility
Phase I and Phase II Site Plan Concept
Blaine Baseball Concept Image