Year in Review – Top New Brighton stories, #1: Redevelopment activity for NB Exchange in 2012
The New Brighton Exchange has seen the opening of an apartment complex, plans are advancing for single-family homes, and a New Brighton business is looking to meet its future expansion needs.
The View Apartments
Earlier this year, StuartCo completed The View Apartments at Long Lake, a 124-unit, market-rate rental apartment project.
A grand opening and ribbon cutting event took place the morning of July 10. New Brighton Council members Gina Bauman, Mary Burg, Char Samuelson, Paul Jacobsen (not pictured) and City Manager Dean Lotter watch as Mayor Dave Jacobsen and StuartCo Developer Stuart Nolan cut the ceremonial ribbon. (File photo by Kassie Petermann – Sun Newspapers)
The grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony took place on July 10 with New Brighton elected officials and staff, StuartCo representatives and the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce.
Doors opened to new residents on July 1. The View offers studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units.
“We’re thrilled with our progress so far,” said developer and owner Stuart Nolan. “The building looks beautiful.”
The View Apartments at Long Lake opened this past July at 1300 N.W. Parkway in New Brighton. (File photo by Kassie Petermann – Sun Newspapers)
He thanked the mayor and council members for voting in favor of the project and also expressed gratitude to city staff, the chamber and his staff.
“We’re looking forward to owning and holding this project for many years,” he said.
The View features apartments with balconies and terraces, lakeside views from many units, a 24-hour fitness center, a pool with gas grills, a community room, a billiards room, and a theater room with a Wii and Xbox. The View will also offer free fitness classes in addition to trail bikes, a kayak and a paddleboat that can be checked out.
Pulte Homes
This past spring, Pulte Homes approached city staff with a proposal to develop single-family homes on a 26-acre tract of land in New Brighton Exchange.
The Economic Development Authority, Planning Commission and City Council have discussed the project over the past months, and the consensus has been favorable.
In August, the city of New Brighton and Pulte Homes entered into an exclusive negotiations agreement for the tract of land in New Brighton Exchange. The agreement allowed Pulte to conduct due diligence efforts through Oct. 31, 2012.
A preliminary rendering of a single-family house that Pulte Homes has presented for New Brighton Exchange. (Image courtesy of Pulte Homes)
At the end of October, Pulte presented the city with a letter of intent, which functions as an offer for the property. The proposal is to build 86 single-family homes and 34 townhomes.
The anticipated average sales price for the single-family homes is $385,000, and $170,000 for the townhomes.
Community Development Director Grant Fernelius has said the ideal scenario would be to begin construction of a couple model homes that would be ready for the fall Parade of Homes. Construction of the 34 townhomes would begin in 2015 or 2016.
APi Group
For several months, city staff and representatives from APi have been discussing the company’s expansion plans.
APi is a holding company for 40 independently managed construction companies. Its corporate office is at 1100 Old Highway 8 N.W. in New Brighton.
According to Fernelius, APi’s primary objective is to build a facility that meets its training, information technology and call center business needs. They would also like the ability to acquire more land for additional space needs. APi has been looking at a lot in the New Brighton Exchange for expansion.
