In the Dirt

  • In the dirt: updates from around the industry

    In the dirt: updates from around the industry

    Get the latest updates on what’s happening in the construction and development world both locally and nationally. Development proposal revised in Eagan Partners Enclave Cos., Pulte Homes and Lifestyle Communities proposed their revised plan to the Eagan City Council for a 482-unit development on a 34.5-acre site in July. According to a city staff report,… Read More

  • Pickleball venues are popping up throughout the Twin Cities

    Pickleball venues are popping up throughout the Twin Cities

    Popularity in pickleball grew during the pandemic, and developers are confident enthusiasm for the sport is here to stay. Smash Park, an Iowa-based entertainment venue company, is building its first of two Twin Cities venues about a mile north of Roseville Center. According to an announcement from the company, the massive Smash Park site will… Read More

  • Doran Group relocates headquarters to Eden Prairie

    Doran Group relocates headquarters to Eden Prairie

    Twin Cities real estate development company Doran Group is relocating its corporate headquarters from Bloomington to Eden Prairie in 2023. After closing the $3.5 million acquisition, Doran Group plans to invest another $1 million into building improvements and amenities. The 19,000-square-foot space will include free parking, a full gym and locker room, a game area,… Read More

  • Bloomington progresses affordable senior housing project

    Bloomington progresses affordable senior housing project

    MWF Properties, a Richfield-based developer that specializes in multifamily projects, is moving forward with a 125-unit building geared toward people 55 and older. The project, which will provide a mix of studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, will provide nine units available to those making 30% of the area median income (AMI), 23 units at… Read More

  • Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor releases report on the Southwest Light Rail Transit delays and costs

    Minnesota Office of the Legislative Auditor releases report on the Southwest Light Rail Transit delays and costs

    Since the inception of the Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) in 2011, the cost of the project has more than doubled and the line’s opening date has been delayed nine years, the Office of the Legislative Auditor reported at the beginning of September. The light rail line, which is meant to connect Minneapolis to the… Read More

  • Construction labor shortage continues even as wages increase

    Construction labor shortage continues even as wages increase

    Despite Minnesota construction wages being up 8.9% from last year, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) reported in September that the state is down 1,568 construction jobs from a year ago. Although construction employment in the U.S. is up 4% overall, Minnesota doesn’t seem to be following the same trend line. Brian… Read More

  • Xcel Energy approved to build one of the nation’s largest solar plants

    Xcel Energy approved to build one of the nation’s largest solar plants

    On Sept. 15, Xcel Energy received unanimous approval from Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to move forward with building a massive solar power plant in Becker, Minnesota. Sherco Solar will be the largest solar development in the Upper Midwest covering 3,497 acres in the Becker area. The facility will help replace the three coal-fired Sherco… Read More

  • New study finds most millennials tend to stay close to home

    New study finds most millennials tend to stay close to home

    More than two-thirds of young adults in the U.S. lived in the same area where they grew up by the age of 26, according to a new study by the U.S. Census Bureau and Harvard University. In fact, 80% had moved less than 100 miles away, and 90% lived less than 500 miles away. Although… Read More

  • Cottage Grove apartment complex breaks ground

    Cottage Grove apartment complex breaks ground

    Excelsior-based Oppidan Investment Co. held a groundbreaking ceremony in July for an upcoming apartment complex in Cottage Grove. The project will include 171 market-rate units and feature studio-alcove units up to three-bedroom units. The complex will also include numerous amenities including a fitness center, community room, outdoor dog run, underground heated parking and rooftop deck.… Read More

  • 19,000-person Canterbury ParkAmphitheater seeks approval

    19,000-person Canterbury Park
    Amphitheater seeks approval

    Canterbury Park announced in February that it is partnering with Minneapolis-based Swervo Development Corporation to build a 19,000-person outdoor concert venue in Shakopee. The city’s planning and development director announced that the project is moving forward and will be on the Shakopee Planning Commission agenda in August. Canterbury Park Holding Company has a purchase agreement… Read More