Richfield Experiencing Development 'Boom'

RICHFIELD, MN — When the economy is humming along nicely, commercial and residential developers look for places and properties to cultivate. In the case of Richfield, this has led to a city-altering development boom.

Currently, more than $200 million of redevelopment work is occurring within city limits, officials said.

"Richfield has the challenge of being a fully-developed city, meaning the city has no vacant space," explains Mayor Pat Elliott.

"It took the right developers and some creativity on the part of city staff to get the ball rolling on redevelopment in Richfield. However, this is just the beginning when it comes to redevelopment; it is not going to end any time soon."

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The city has more than a dozen projects under construction, which amounts to nearly $80 million of economic development. New construction projects include: the Primrose preschool, Dunkin Donuts, Plaza 66, The Chamberlain and Havenwood.

The Cedar Point Target is undergoing a multi-million dollar interior remodel. Six single-family homes are under construction or undergoing rehab through the city’s Richfield Rediscovered and New Home Program.

Richfield’s largest project currently under construction, The Chamberlain, will cost $43 million to construct.

The housing development will add 284 new apartments to the city, and will renovate 33 existing apartments without displacing current residents, according to a news release.

"In Richfield, we have a need for both market rate and affordable housing options," explained Community Development Director John Stark.

"The Chamberlain project will provide additional housing options for residents that fall into a variety of income levels."

Three additional projects that have received final approval by the city council and are expected to break ground in the coming months. Of these, Morrie’s Automotive Group’s Jaguar and Land Rover dealership is the most notable.

The project will cost $25 million and when completed will encompass 105,000 square feet over two stories.

"Commercial development and redevelopment is the lifeblood of a city’s tax base. A thriving commercial tax base is vital for the city to maintain its infrastructure, while not over-burdening single-family homeowners," said City Manager Steve Devich.

"Morrie’s Automotive is a perfect example of the kinds of commercial development we are trying to attract to the city."

Two additional projects are in the final planning and zoning phase. Lyndale Gardens and a Cedar Point Housing project will add an additional $90 million investment in Richfield.

A number of other projects, including the redevelopment of the HUB shopping center, located on 66th Street, are in the proposal stages. So, it’s unlikely Richfield’s economic boom will not be ending any time soon, according to city officials.

The influx in redevelopment could prove beneficial to Richfield residents. It is difficult to estimate the exact effects the ongoing redevelopment projects will have on the tax base, but may provide tax relief to single-family homeowners, officials said.

The addition of more restaurants, shops and other businesses will also provide residents in the surrounding area with more amenities than before.

"Richfield is a dynamic community and significant changes are happening every week," said City Manager Steve Devich.

"The city is in an admirable position to add millions of dollars in commercial development over the next several years and it is our belief that the city will remain attractive to developers moving forward."

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