Development Ramps Up
Planning & Community Development Updates in Rogers, MN
As the world seemingly pressed pause during the pandemic, development in Rogers was on fast-forward. Since Spring 2020, the City has processed 21 development applications, compared to nine (9) in 2018 and 2019 combined. Those 21 approvals included a mix of new developments and businesses, continued build out of residential subdivisions, and the expansion of Rogers businesses. Those numbers do not include the several development concept plans proposed or currently in discussions – also since 2020. This update serves as only a fraction of all of the recent activity.
Busy Building Since 2017
City staff recently updated the City Council and Planning Commission, reporting on the number of new residential and commercial/industrial development that has occurred since 2017. As of September 30, 2021, the total number of residential units approved – single-family homes, twin and townhomes, and apartments – stood at 1,642. Developers are currently exploring a variety of residential projects that could add another 400+ units, with a pending application expected in October that would add another 150 townhomes to the community.
Residential Development Projects
New Development Approved Since 2017 (Last 5 Years)
| Residential Development | SF | VIL | TWN | QD | ATH | DTH | APT | Year | Units | Phases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approved Projects | ||||||||||
| Fletcher Hills 2nd Addition | ● | 2017 | 17 | 1 | ||||||
| Laurel Creek | ● | ● | ● | ● | 2017 | 479 | 6 | |||
| Mallard South 2nd Addition | ● | 2018 | 9 | 1 | ||||||
| Vincent Woods | ● | 2018 | 168 | 1 | ||||||
| Brenly Meadows | ● | 2019 | 38 | 1 | ||||||
| Birchwood 1st Addition | ● | 2020 | 61 | 1 | ||||||
| Skye Meadows | ● | ● | ● | 2020 | 345 | 6 | ||||
| Enclave-Rogers | ● | 2020 | 165 | 1 | ||||||
| Birchwood 2nd Addition | ● | 2021 | 31 | 1 | ||||||
| WJD Two 4th Addition | ● | ● | 2021 | 190 | 1 | |||||
| Edgewater 3rd Addition | ● | 2021 | 64 | 1 | ||||||
| Territorial Lofts | ● | 2021 | 75 | 1 | ||||||
| Concept Plan Review | ||||||||||
| Main Street (Senior/Workforce) | ● | 2019 | 104 | 2 | ||||||
| Asguard | ● | 2019 | 77 | 1 | ||||||
| Norbella Senior Living | ● | 2021 | 40 | 1 | ||||||
| Busch Greenhouse Site | ● | 2021 | 150 | 3 | ||||||
SF=Single Family, VIL=Villas, TWN=Twin Homes, QD=Quad Homes, ATH=Attached Townhomes, DTH=Detached Townhomes, APT=Apartments
On the business-side of development, the City has seen a steady combination of new commercial and industrial investment, including new additions to Rogers and the expansion of existing businesses. Changing consumer preferences during the pandemic, driving up the demand on the distribution sector, and the soon-to-open Interstate 94 (I94) interchange nearby Brockton Lane, has renewed strong interest in Rogers on the industrial front. Most recently, the City Council approved a 264,000-square foot logistics center on I-94 next to Clam.
New Senior Assisted Living Facility
Rachel Development has been busy in Rogers this past year. The St. Michael based real estate developer is involved in the 190-unit apartment/townhome development off 147th Avenue behind Culvers, and Edgewater 3rd Addition, a 64- unit residential subdivision at the end of Industrial Boulevard. Rachel recently submitted an application to build a new senior assisted living care facility on South Diamond Lake Road, adjacent to Lil’ Explorers Childcare Center and across the street from Kohls. The proposed 40-unit senior care facility will feature 24-units of assisted living and 16- units for memory care residents. In addition to the individual resident rooms, the facility will feature a commercial kitchen for meal preparation and service, beauty salon and internal housekeeping services, and a secure outdoor patio and garden area adjacent to the building. The entire building will also have a resident monitoring system with controlled access.
New Homes to Emerge on Former Greenhouse Site
Passersby will soon see families take root on the former Busch Brothers Greenhouse property, located in between Industrial Boulevard and Hynes Road. M/I Homes and Estate Development Corporation are proposing to build 150 townhomes on the 15-plus acre site. As the last undeveloped property in the Fox Creek area, the development team is taking advantage of the site constraints of this remnant property to create a unique living experience. The development design will enhance the livability and walkability of this new neighborhood by leveraging the large open space areas and extensive trail system that weave throughout the entire site, ultimately connecting to Fox Creek West Park to the south. Phase 1 in Spring 2022.
The developer intends a three (3) year build out, with construction commencing on Phase 1 in Spring 2022.
This will be M/I Homes third project in Rogers in 2021. Other partner projects include the mixed residential development off 147th Avenue behind Culvers and the residential subdivision at the end of Industrial Boulevard.
Modeling Downtown Rogers
The Rogers City Council has initiated a Small Area Plan exercise for Downtown, aimed at creating a “model” for what Downtown Rogers could look like in the future. Building on recent visioning and planning efforts, and with planned redevelopment and a new restaurant poised to open on Main Street, now is the time to explore issues and opportunities as Downtown evolves. Downtown parking is a specific emphasis of the study.
Small-town community downtown areas are in a renaissance. Downtowns serve as both vital economic engines for a local economy and also gathering places to celebrate together. The traditional Main Street atmosphere of Downtown Rogers, with its quintessential historic buildings and retail storefronts, presents opportunities not only for small business, but also offers authentic experiences for those venturing Downtown. The sketch plan for what Downtown Rogers could look like will help the City identify and work with developers to help deliver the City’s vision, and provide recommendations to guide Council decisions about future physical development—from district amenities to new businesses. Track the progress of the study, and participate in the dialogue. Check out the project page at www.rogersmn.gov/downtownsmall-area-planning,
Downtown Rogers Draws New Restaurant
Re-establishing Downtown Rogers as the social hub of activity for the community just got a boost. A new 384-seat restaurant – “R” Social on Main – is current under construction in Downtown, at 12901 Main Street. In addition to the traditional indoor dining experience, the restaurant will also feature front and back bar areas, outdoor patio seating and rooftop deck area. Under a newly-adopted Main Street façade program, the City and Hennepin County provided a grant to the property owner to assist with the restoration of the historic storefront of the two buildings. The façade work will restore the large storefront windows on both properties. New stone work will replace the existing brick that was either missing our could not be replicated. A grand opening is not yet announced.
Published in the 2021 Fall and Winter Newsletter.