Saint Paul City Council Approves Ford Site Master Plan

SAINT PAUL, MN – For a decade, Saint Paul city officials have sought a replacement plan for the site of the former Ford Motor Company assembly plant in the Highland Park neighborhood. The city conducted 14 professional studies and more than 140 community meetings, examining topics ranging from sustainable design to stormwater management to traffic impacts.

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In the decades to come, a new residential neighborhood will take shape on the site previously known as the home of the Ford Ranger. The Saint Paul City Council voted 5-2 Wednesday to approve a contentious master plan and new zoning for the Ford site. The plan has now been forwarded to Mayor Chris Coleman for final review and adoption by the city to guide future development on the site.

The site encompasses 135 acres of land situated along the Mississippi River in Saint Paul. Ford is expected to put the site on the market in early 2018.

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“When this vision for the Ford site is complete, it will be one of the most sustainable, equitable communities in the country - if not the world,” said Mayor Coleman in a statement. “With opportunities to live, work and play, this area will integrate into and complement the surrounding neighborhood. Today's passage by the council, while not the end of the process, is an important milestone in bringing the progressive vision created after 10 years of community conversation to life.”

“After relying heavily on ideas from community members and input from many experts, we have voted to approve this thoughtfully conceived master plan, which positions us to work together to serve Saint Paul in the decades ahead,” said Saint Paul City Council President Russ Stark. “I am proud and grateful to serve in a community that is so deeply engaged.”

About the Ford master plan

What's known as the "Ford Site Zoning and Public Realm Master Plan" outlines land uses on the vacant Ford Site, sets the expectation for quality public amenities like public parks and other infrastructure, and sets policy for site redevelopment. While the plan is flexible, it serves as a framework for the future master developer.

Setting the stage for the envisioned mixed-use urban village, the plan rezones the site into six districts: four as predominantly multi-family residential areas, and two as primarily commercial areas along Ford Parkway. The Ford site redevelopment plan also outlines specific housing affordability goals, aiming that a mix of housing types will be available across the site, according to a news release.

The plan calls for more than 20 percent of the site to be public parks, trails, and open space – spread throughout the site to create a vibrant, green development. To facilitate the site’s transportation needs, the plan incorporates the new development into the existing street grid, ensuring that it is integrated into the neighborhood and assists with efficient traffic flow.

Photo credit: AP Photo/Jim Mone