Former Maple Grove Library Site Up for Sale - Again

Updated article: Sept. 26, 2011

It’s back on the market for the former Maple Grove Library building and land.

Closed for more than a year, the two-acre site on the corner of Weaver Lake Road and Elm Creek Boulevard had been put up for sale again.

In April, the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved selling the former Hennepin County Library – Maple Grove site to Semper Development, Ltd., for approximately $4.2 million.

“Between then and the present time, the county has not been able to enter into an Agreement of Purchase and Sale. This was explained to us by Semper as it being unable to get a firm commitment from its end user” Hennepin County Manager of Real Estate J. Michael Noonan said. “Without this commitment Semper was not prepared to proceed.”

Hennepin County stated earlier this year that  “preliminary discussions” had taken place between Semper and Walgreens Pharmacy for use of the property.

Reportedly, Semper remains interested in the site but it can not go forward until it receives the commitment from its end user.

“Based upon this uncertainty, the decision was made to resign the site and reintroduce it to the market place,” Noonan said.

Representatives of Semper Development could not be reached for comment.

*******

May 31, 2011 Article: A New Use for the Old Maple Grove Library

A developer has big plans for the old Maple Grove Library site. 

The building has sat empty for more than a year after the a new opened on Main Street. As one of the most used libraries in the county, the old building wasn’t able to handle the demand which is why a new building opened last May. 

When the Hennepin County decided the building wasn’t needed for any internal purpose, it was put up for sale. The county put the site on the market in November and received six offers for the two-acre site on the corner of Weaver Lake Road and Elm Creek Boulevard. After reviewing the options, the county decided to go with a bid from Semper Development, which offered $4.15 million for the site.

“We felt like that was a great price for the property,” Hennepin County Manager of Real Estate Michael Noonan said. “We were pleased with the amount of interest in the site and believe that reflects how strong the commercial real estate market is in the city.”

The Minneapolis company told county officials they want to tear down the 15,000 square foot brick building and put up a new .

“We believe a Walgreens is to be compatible with that area,” Noonan said. The city will still have to approve the plan, but Noonan believes the developer is a good choice. “We have worked with Semper Development before and they have a good track record.”

Residents in the area seem to support the idea.

“As long as the building doesn’t sit vacant, I would support just about any commercial business going in there,” Rick Vann said. “I don’t want Maple Grove to be riddled with empty properties, which is a problem many cities are dealing with.”

“I think a Walgreens would work in that area,” Pam Haul said.  “It would fit in nicely with the rest of the businesses that are near there.”

A representative at Semper Development said there is still paperwork to be filed, but hopes the sale will be finalized in September. While the company spokesperson said, “nothing is set in stone” the plan they presented to the Hennepin County Board of Comminssioners did involve the construction of the popular drug store chain. The county speculates the new store could be open mid way through 2012.

Walgreens operates 7,608 drug stores across the country, making it the largest drug store chain in the U.S. According to the company website, the store posted sales totaling $67 million in 2010.