One of the most compelling presentations came from a team proposing the Grand View Terrace at Arcadia project. This plan includes a 60-unit senior cooperative, a 100-unit affordable senior housing building, an event center, a restaurant, and public green space. The developers emphasized creating vibrant, walkable spaces with active street fronts and walk-up townhomes. Central to the design is a community green space featuring sculptures and a small amphitheater, linked directly to existing pathways and an art bridge over the railroad tracks.

Financially, the developers proposed a $4 million acquisition price for the site and plan to establish a tax increment financing district to support necessary infrastructure improvements. The project is expected to apply for low-income housing tax credits and bonding through Minnesota management and budget in early 2026, with completion anticipated by late first quarter of 2028.

Susan Far, representing Ebenezer, highlighted her organization’s extensive experience in senior housing, expressing enthusiasm about the project amid significant demand for such housing in the area. Moreover, Lamar Newburn of Set Properties described the food and beverage component, collaborating with prominent restaurant groups to create a welcoming space for gatherings year-round.

Another notable proposal involved a mixed-use development featuring attainable home ownership, quality rental apartments, and ground-floor commercial space with a public plaza. The design is tailored to address complex soil conditions and varying grades of the site, with an emphasis on open, accessible spaces fostering community interaction. The project includes terracing to adapt to the sloped terrain, minimizing soil management and construction costs. The team proposed a $4.5 million offer for the property, considering the anticipated density and unknown soil conditions.

Environmental sustainability was a key theme, with developers outlining plans for permeable surfaces and green building techniques. One proposal highlighted the possibility of geothermal systems and photovoltaic installations. However, concerns were raised over the exclusive rental nature of some projects, with discussions about potential rent-to-own or future ownership options.

A proposal from BKV Group included a 60-unit senior cooperative, an event center, and a restaurant at the site. The event center is envisioned to host community gatherings, with synergy between the event space and in-house food and beverage services. The project is expected to employ a public-private partnership model for the event center’s operation, emphasizing community engagement.

The affordability aspect was discussed, with the project aiming to include affordable housing units, adhering to Area Median Income (AMI) levels. The financial strategy involves using tax increment financing projected at $4.4 million over 15 to 25 years, with funding also drawn from senior cooperative housing and retail components.