Planning Commission Considers Southdale Residential Development

Despite some positive response from the Edina Planning Commission, the developers presenting a sketch plan for residential development in the southeast corner of the parking lot were advised to look into maintaining pedestrian connections from the development to surrounding features, such as the Edina Promenade.

On Wednesday, May 23, the Planning Commission addressed several comments regarding the sketch plan, which includes the development of two high-rise luxury rental apartment buildings and a three-story townhouse building located at the northwest corner of the intersection of West 69th street and York Avenue South.

The space is currently part of a large parking lot attached to the southeast corner of Southdale Center. As proposed, the development would include 232 rental units with a parking structure underneath.

According to the Minneapolis-based BKV Group, the architecture company behind the plan, these luxury apartments are meant to "to meet the demands of young professionals and empty-nesters alike."

Though the plan is in the preliminary stages of development, the Planning Commission advised the developers to complete a traffic and parking study to determine impacts on adjacent roadways, and clarify if Southdale would have adequate parking.

The commission also wants to see the team make modifications to ensure safety and ease for pedestrians, as it is currently designed as a secluded lot with primary access off of 69th street and the Southdale frontage road.

The developers intend to go back to the city council for feedback and the ultimate goal of approval.

"I think it’s important to bring [Southdale] back up to a quality location," said Planning Commission Chair Floyd Grabiel. 

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