Best Practice Action Detail

Best Practice Action 5.5

GreenStep City Best Practices: Buildings and Lighting
Building Redevelopment No. 5

Create economic and regulatory incentives for redevelopment and repurposing of existing buildings.

Best Practice Action 5

Adopt development/design standards and programs that facilitate infill, redevelopment, and adaptable buildings.

  • Infill Score is an on-line self-assessment tool for cities to (1) gauge the degree to which city policies and stragegies facilitate development of vacant land, and (2) learn about 30 strategies and policies that can accelerate infill, redevelopment and community revitalization.
  • The ULI-MN (Re)Development Ready Guide for cities outlines development policies and practices (including brownfield remediation) to attract private investment, grow jobs, support a full range of housing choices, and build tax base for the well-being of the city.
  • “Fill the gap” programs for vacant and underutilized downtown (mostly commercial) buildings tend to have these simple/cheap elements: (1) maintain a current and public inventory of ‘opportunity sites’; (2) coordinate with local and county economic development staff and local lenders; (3) install temporary/semi-permanent uses such as green space (flowers, vegetables gardens), event space (farmer’s market, arts and crafts market, art exhibit space), play area (with or without a public restroom); outdoor siting and eating (benches, food truck location, beer garden), transport/information area (bike parking, kiosks, mid-block alley connection).
  • Build a Better Burb is the online journal for suburban design and redesign. It began with a focus on retrofitting suburban downtowns on Long Island (NY) and has expanded to include manuals and engaging visuals to help suburban residents and leaders explore solutions from across the country that can be applied to their communities.
  • Articles, events, thoughts and resources on Sprawl Repair - guidance for transforming fragmented, isolated and car-dependent development into complete communities. See also the short Mall Retrofit plan for small, efficient steps, creating cheap space for incubating new businesses and artisan uses, as well as providing affordable student housing.
  • Designing strucures that can be adapted for different future uses is an art of the past. For example, when parking ramps first emerged they were designed so they could be turned into warehouses and offices by having flat floors and high ceilings.
  • See EV resources at Drive Electric Minnesota.
1 star Adopt design standards that address the downtown core and encourage compatible infill development; parking standards waived to recognize on-street & shared parking facilities; repurpose vacant/underutilized downtown sites as green space, event space, play areas, outdoor siting and eating, transport/information areas, EV charging or make-ready infrastructure. Report infill incentives under action 7.4
2 star Small houses (~500 sq.ft.) allowed under CUP on non-conforming vacant city lots; standards facilitate the evolution of strip/large format commercial areas into more livable/walkable neighborhoods with a mix of land use and including gathering places.
3 star Limit annexations or infrastructure extensions until infill and redevelopment goals are met; encourage building, mall and parking ramp design such that structures can be adapted for different future uses.

Who's doing it

Burnsville - 3 star
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
In 1999, Burnsville adopted development and design standards for it's downtown core, known as the Heart of the City district (HOC).

The HOC Design Standards facilitate the evolution of strip/large format commercial areas into more liveable/walkable neighborhoods. A large KMart Store used to be located on southwest of Highway 13 and Nicollet Avenue. That area site was redeveloped with mixed use commercial and high density residential, following the HOC Design Standards.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sue Bast (City staff) | basts@ci.burnsville.mn.us | 952-895-4524
Partners:
Fridley - 3 star
Date action report first entered:
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Year action initially completed: 2013
Implementation details:
The City of Fridley has both a Planned Unit Development and a Redevelopment zoning classification that address commercial districts and encourage compatible infill development.

Redevelopment of the Fridley Market from an under-utilized, over-parked shopping center occurred under Planned Unit Development zoning. This redevelopment has been instrumental for the commercial revitalization of 57th Avenue.

The former Naval Industrial Ordnance Plant was a 122-acre Superfund site. The City rezoned the property as R2-Redevelopment and assisted the developer with financing options. As a result, the site underwent voluntary cleanup and the Northern Stacks development was constructed. This industrial distribution and office/warehouse business park is the largest infill commercial redevelopment in Minnesota.
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Mankato - 3 star
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The City of Mankato adopted urban design guidelines, which are facilitated through the zoning ordinance through establishment of Downtown Design District and Gateway Overlay Districts. The design recommendations outlined in the Urban Design Guidelines will foster improvements to individual projects, strengthen the traditional character of Downtown, and shape the Hilltop area into a more cohesive marketplace and focus of community activity.

Additionally, the City maintains Orderly Annexation Agreements with all three abutting townships (Mankato, Lime, and South Bend) which limits or prohibits new urban development to allow for planned, controlled provision of services, utilities, and amenities to these area as they are eventually annexed into the City of Mankato. The agreements were initially drafted in 1995 and were amended and extended by mutual partnership of the City and township staff in 2012/2013. Example agreement with Lime Township (north of City of Mankato) attached.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Molly Westman (City staff) | mwestman@mankatomn.gov | 507-387-8571
Partners:
Richfield - 3 star
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Implementation details:
All development in Richfield is infill. The City has prepared master plans with design standards for all of its major commercial areas: Lakes at Lyndale (Richfield's downtown), Lyndale Gateway, 66th Street, the Penn Avenue corridor, Cedar Ave. corridor (MN Hwy 77), and the I-494 corridor.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Melissa Poehlman (City staff) | MPoehlman@richfieldmn.gov | 6128619766
Partners:
Brainerd - 2 star
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The city of Brainerd is one of the first in the state to have adopted a "small house" conditional use permit option, as a tool to help encourage infill development on non conforming vacant city lots. New houses as small as 500sf will be permitted to be built on a conditional use permit basis.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Sarah Hayden Shaw (Community volunteer) | sjhaay@gmail.com | 218-760-6837
Partners:
Brooklyn Park - 2 star
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Brooklyn Park has adopted zoning districts in priority redevelopment areas that allow and encourage walkable, mixed-use, and transit-supportive development. This includes the Village Creek redevelopment area along Brooklyn Boulevard, and the city’s five station areas on the planned Blue Line Extension. The City’s Economic Development Authority proactively facilitates development in these by strategically acquiring property and partnering with developers on projects that further environmental sustainability.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Paul Mogush (City Staff) | paul.mogush@brooklynpark.org | 763-493-8051
Partners:
Coon Rapids - 2 star
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Coon Rapids has been working hard on redeveloping Coon Rapids Boulevard industrial area since 2000. The Framework Plan presents ideas for redevelopment and enhancement through 2020. It outlines plans for concentrating new neighborhood commercial uses, offices and higher density housing for infill. It defines four PORTS (Preservation Or Renovation Tract) to function as zoning districts for defined areas and establish land use, site and architectural standards. Each PORT is designed to meet the needs of that area in relation to existing infrastructure including a business park, the Coon Rapids Dam, Anoka Ramsey Community College and Mercy Hospital. Since adopting the framework, several new developments have taken place and the city has worked to acquire properties to spur redevelopment.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
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For more information contact:
Colleen Sinclair (City staff) | csinclair@coonrapidsmn.gov | 763-767-6485
Partners:
Maplewood - 2 star
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Implementation details:
Maplewood has adopted the development and design standards of the International Green Construction Code to facilitate infill and development in residential and commercial areas. THis construction code is guiding the planning of the upcoming Gladstone redevelopment area. This area will contain a large mix of residential, senior living, and strip/large commercial areas that are close to transportation trail options. This redevelopment is expected to greatly reinvigorate the area. The planning is expected to be finished in Mid-2015.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Randy Johnson (City Staff) | randy,johnson@maplewoodmn.gov | 651-249-2324
Partners:
Oakdale - 2 star
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
Oakdale has adopted a concept plan and design standards for the city's largest redevelopment site, the former Oakdale Mall. This nearly-empty, blighted mall sat on 18 acres and was an eyesore in one of the most traveled areas of the city. The city purchased the property and tore the mall down in 2011. The site is now known as Tartan Crossing, and will be a mixed-use development incorporating senior housing, office, and retail space with a focus on walkability and incorporating green space into urban design.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Jen Hassebroek (City staff) | jen.hassebroek@ci.oakdale.mn.us | 651-730-2723
Partners:
Red Lake Nation - 2 star
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Implementation details:
This housing retrofit project consists of 40 single family houses, 10 houses in each of the four communities in the Red Lake Tribal Nation that are being gutted, and repurposed with new flooring, windows, insolation, furness’s, central air, and water and sewer systems. Each house is going to be EnergyStar rated. The contract work is being done by Norson Construction. This Project includes the installation of EnergyStar-Rated clothes washers, dishwashers, and refrigerators and lighting fixtures and ceiling fans if needed as well as roofing that is Energy Star compliant. All interior paints will meet the MPI and Green Seal standards for VOC’s. After the retrofit is complete and before the tenants can move back in, they will be given a guide that explains intent, benefits, use, and maintenance of the green building features.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Partners: Housing Authority, Red Lake Tribal Council, Norson Construction, Red Lake Nation TERO
Rochester - 2 star
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Implementation details:
Proposed development on the two key blocks on 1st Ave between 4th and 6th Street SW characterizes the type of urban design appropriate for this unique street within the Downtown. The architecture and development decisions coupled with major infrastructure improvements work in concert to create a distinct street profile for the area of 1st Avenue from Peace Plaza all the way south to the future UMR campus.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
The streetscape is designed to provide abundant opportunities for seating and outdoor gathering in warmer weather, to minimize the presence of cars, and maximize pedestrian comfort. Bump-outs at the end and middle of each block provide additional space within the pedestrian zone between the building edge and curb. Abundant trees with space for tables and seating placed between them accommodate outdoor dining for the restaurants that will be focused along this street. Additional amenities are also designed within the pedestrian zone including
specialized paving and lighting fixtures that give identity to the district.
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Jeff Ellerbusch (City staff) | ellerbusch.jeff@CO.OLMSTED.MN.US | 507-328-7132
Partners:
Saint Anthony - 2 star
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The City of St. Anthony has succesfully redeveloped the former Apache Plaza Mall into a multi-land use and commuter friendly livable community.
It includes the following:
1. Commercial Retail
2. Restaurant
3. Parks
4. Stormwater treatement
5. Sidewalks
6. Pathways
7. Public Art
8. Ampitheater
9. Multi-family housing
10. Senior housing
11. Low income housing
12. Single family townhomes
13. Condominiums
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Jay Hartman (City staff) | jay.hartman@ci.saint-anthony.mn.us | 612-782-3314
Partners:
Sauk Rapids - 2 star
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Implementation details:
An architectural committee developed standards for infill development to maintain the architectural and traditional character of existing neighborhoods. The City’s Housing Advisory Committee reviews plans for conformity. The City’s Downtown Business District ordinance includes design and development standards to facilitate new development and redevelopment.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Marilyn Patterson (Community volunteer) | mpp03@charter.net | 320-258-5300
Partners:
South Saint Paul - 2 star
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2017
Implementation details:
Both the South St. Paul “Economic Development Strategy 2017-2020” and 2040 Comprehensive Plan emphasize redevelopment. Due to the City being virtually “built-out”, the City is aware that redevelopment is the best strategy for the future. The Economic Development Authority has this in mind as projects come through. The Comprehensive Plan has a small section focusing on infill, adaptive reuse & redevelopment. Additionally, the City offers special financing options for redevelopment projects.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Deb Griffith (City staff) | dgriffith@southstpaul.org | 651-554-3230
Partners:
Stillwater - 2 star
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2006
Implementation details:
Ordinance 965 establishes a Neighborhood Conservation District within the city. The Neighborhood Conservation District is established to help protect and preserve the unique character of Stillwater's residential
neighborhoods, by regulating and providing Design Guidelines for new infill development within the District.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Abbi Wittman (City staff) | Awittman@ci.stillwater.mn.us | 651-430-8822
Partners:
Belle Plaine - 1 star
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2008
Implementation details:
The City of Belle Plaine has placed urban design requirements into effect through long-range planning documents (2040 Comprehensive Plan Update required for submittal to Metropolitan Council by end of year) and local controls including the zoning code. Within the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area, local controls must be updated for consistency with comprehensive plans. The zoning code provides for mixed uses as a right within several zoning classifications and provides for mixed uses on a contract-type basis through a planned unit development. In addition the City has developed a "Design Manual" which focuses specifically on commercial nodes and corridors. The City has orderly annexation agreements (OAA) in place with Blakeley and Belle Plaine Townships. Combined the area subject to OAA is coterminous with the City's municipal urban service area (MUSA) as contained in the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan includes staging plans supported by a capital improvement plan.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
In 2015 the City authorized a mixed commercial and residential planned unit development consisting of 23,000 sf of commercial (health-related) uses attached to 55 units of senior living. The City is currently reviewing a mixed density residential PUD (at general PUD plan/preliminary plat stage of review.
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Laura Blue (City staff) | lblue@ci.belleplaine.mn.us | 952-873-5553
Partners:
Brooklyn Center - 1 star
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2020
Implementation details:
Sold city-owned parcels at a significant discount to builder/developer for infill redevelopment.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Andrew Hogg (City staff) | ahogg@ci.brooklyn-center.mn.us | 763-569-3327
Partners:
Crystal - 1 star
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Implementation details:
Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan including planned unit development provisions for mixed-use and redevelopment projects. The planned unit development provisions allow for flexible lot sizes and frontage requirements.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Mark Ray (City Staff) | mark.ray@crystalmn.gov | 6127606712
Partners:
Detroit Lakes - 1 star
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Implementation details:
The City of Detroit Lakes utilizes Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing districts to utilize investment and redevelopment of existing buildings. The Detroit Lakes Development Authority also utilizes a revolving loan fund to assist businesses in development and re purposing of existing buildings. The City also utilizes the Facade Improvement Grant Program.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Kelcey Klemm (City Staff) | kklemm@cityofdetroitlakes.com | 2188475658
Partners:
Duluth - 1 star
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2018
Implementation details:
The 2018 Comprehensive Plan lists the reuse of previously developed lands as the #1 principle that should guide development going forward and there are a number of ways Duluth is working to implement that:
-Developers who utilize historic buildings can apply for an adaptive reuse permit. These permits allow buildings to be used for purposes not normally allowed in their zones.
-All new development must achieve a certain number of points from a sustainability scorecard. Development on brownfields or previously developed non-contaminated locations (such as a historic building) can contribute a significant portion of the required points.
-Businesses can have their parking minimums lowered if they share parking with neighboring businesses or existing parking structures.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Adam Fulton (City staff) | afulton@hermantownmn.com | 218-729-3618
Partners:
Eagan - 1 star
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
The City's Comprehensive Plan has policies with respect to building on existing pedestrian facilities and enhancing and further connecting them as projects and funding permit. The City applies the policy with respect to street improvements and reconstruction in which it considers the installation of appropriate pedestrian facilities - sidewalks or trails - as each project is designed. The City has implemented pedestrian improvements in the Town Centre area and has received a grant to study additional pedestrian connections of this kind in other retail areas through the State SHIP program. In it's major mixed use redevelopment, the City is implementing a transit oriented, walkable design framework through its Cedar Grove Zoning District and Design Standards. City approved Community Transportation Trail System Policy 12-13-04
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Jenna Olsen (City Staff) | jolsen@cityofeagan.com | 651/675-5330
Partners:
Farmington - 1 star
Date action report first entered:
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Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
In 2011, Immanuel Dental built a building in the downtown on a lot that was vacant for over 2 years. The owner was the first to go through the City's new 30-working day commercial review process that included a process where building review, zoning, and site planning were reviewed within a 30-working day timeline. In this case, the owner was able to start earlier than expected before the winter season.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Building completed early and infill lot was built on.
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Adam Kienberger (City staff) | akienberger@ci.farmington.mn.us | 651-280-6820
Partners:
Lake Elmo - 1 star
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2013
Implementation details:
Allows the district to not only include retail, service, office, civic and public uses but residential uses as well. Renovation and infill of traditional storefront-type buildings is encouraged, and parking standards may be waived to recognize the availability of on-street and shared parking facilities
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File: view file
For more information contact:
Sophia Jensen (City Staff) | sjensen@lakeelmo.org | 651-747-3900
Partners:
New Hope - 1 star
Date action report first entered:
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Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The "New Hope City Center Vision" was adopted in 2011 and provides a comprehensive vision for the redevelopment of the district. It encourages diverse and adaptable commercial spaces, mixed-used development, and transportation goals. The city's Design Guidelines are consistent with this vision. The city's 2030 Comp Plan states in the Policy Plan section (City-Wide General Goal 4 G) that the city should "examine, re-evaluate, and promote proper infill development on under-utilized parcels to ensure full land utilization." The city's design standards in the zoning code do not reference infill development.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Jeff Alger (City Staff) | jalger@newhopemn.gov | 763-531-5119
Partners:
Newport - 1 star
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed:
Implementation details:
The Land Use section of the 2030 Comprehensive Plan includes a goal to encourage infill development on vacant lots throughout the City, specifically the Old Town area. The Summer 2012 Newsletter had an article on these lots in order to encourage development and educate residents that these lots are buildable. Since 2013, there have been 4 houses built on in-fill lots and there are 2 houses being built in 2015.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Deb Schulz (City staff) | dschulz@newportmn.com | 651-459-5677
Partners:
Northfield - 1 star
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
Updated downtown C1 zoning. Has strong compatibility standards, waives off-street parking requirements and mandates non-developed space as green space, public plaza or outdoor seating.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Beth Kallestad (City staff) | beth.kallestad@ci.northfield.mn.us | 507-645-3074
Partners:
Red Wing - 1 star
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Implementation details:
The Commercial Design Standards that were established encourage infill and redevelopment along the commercial strip of Highway 61.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Paul Drotos (City staff) | paul.drotos@ci.red-wing.mn.us | 651-410-6744
Partners:
Two Harbors - 1 star
Date action report first entered:
Date of last report update:
Year action initially completed: 2015
Implementation details:
Redevelopment is addressed in the Land Use and in the Economic Development sections of the Comprehensive Plan. The Planned Unit Development (PUD) portion of the City Code is designed to provide developers with enough flexibility to effectively implement infill development.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Jennifer Sterbenz (City Staff) | jsterbenz@twoharborsmn.gov | 218-834-8804
Partners:
Woodbury - 1 star
Date action report first entered:
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Implementation details:
Redevelopment is addressed in the Land Use and Economic Development sections of the Comprehensive Plan. The Planned Unit Development (PUD) portion of the City Code is designed to provide developers with enough flexibility to effectively implement infill development. Per Section 24-202, paragraph F of the Woodbury City Code: “(The purpose of this article is to) facilitate developments that provide a benefit to the city as a whole, through, but not limited to…innovative public infrastructure, sustainable design,...(and) redevelopment.” The design standards for stormwater management on redevelopment sites are located in Chapter 27 Environmental Management, Division 3 Stormwater Management, Section 27-27 Stormwater Management Standards and Design Criteria, (i) Redevelopment.
Outcome measures/metrics/money saved:
Descriptive File:
For more information contact:
Mark Huonder (City staff) | mhuonder@ci.woodbury.mn.us | 651-714-3535
Partners: