Oppidan to Bring Kowalski's to Excelsior

Minneapolis-based Oppidan Investment Company, a national property development firm offering a full range of real estate services, today announces that it will begin construction on two developments this week at the former Mason Motors, Inc. site, located at Water and George Streets in downtown Excelsior, Minn.

Among the developments is a Kowalski’s Market grocery store, Excelsior’s first grocery store in more than 30 years. The highly anticipated store will be housed in the old Mason Motors building, which Kowalski’s will renovate and expand. The 14,994-square foot store will be complete with a focus on perishable and foods to go and will include a wine shop and a Starbuck’s Coffee.

In addition, Oppidan is developing a 20,000-square foot retail and office building that will face the new Kowalski’s. Oppidan is currently seeking retail tenants to occupy the first level of the building; the company itself will move its offices to the upper level.

“We are thrilled to be moving forward with development of the Mason Motors site and to fulfill our promise to the city of Excelsior to bring a grocer to its vibrant downtown district,” said Joe Ryan, president of Oppidan. “And we look forward to moving our offices to Excelsior and to enjoying the many amenities the community has to offer.”

“We are very pleased to partner with Oppidan as we extend our brand in the west metro and expand to meet the need in Excelsior and its neighboring communities for a high quality grocer,” said Kris Kowalski Christiansen, COO with Kowalski’s.

Oppidan purchased the former Mason Motors, Inc. building and adjacent property in 2012. In early 2013, Steele Fitness became the first tenant on the site. It was joined by College Nannies + Tutors, SportClips and, most recently, YogaFit. That 8,744-square foot building is now 100 percent occupied.

Construction of both Kowalski’s and the new retail/office building is expected to be complete by March 1, 2015.