Bringing Jobs and Entertainment, Eagan’s Central Park Commons Opens
By William Bornhoft
Eagan’s Central Park Commons accounts for nearly 34 percent of all new retail construction in the Twin Cities, officials say.
EAGAN (October 18th, 2016) – In case you hadn’t noticed, Eagan’s latest shopping and entertainment center, the Central Park Commons, opened at the corner of Pilot Knob and Yankee Doodle Road earlier this month. Yet even before the mixed-use development’s grand opening on Thursday, Oct. 6, shoppers had been packing the parking lot to check out new retailers, including Marshalls, HomeGoods, Hobby Lobby and a nearly 100,000-square-foot anchor tenant, Hy-Vee.
In total, roughly 35 tenants, including a 42,000-square-foot Fairview Health Clinic opening in December, have signed on to the new 47-acre center, built on the site of the former Lockheed Martin plant, according to a news release.
“A successful development must satisfy several elements—such as a strategic, desirable site; a developer willing to take the risk and commit the resources; a willing city—in this case, to rezone in a manner that is feasible; and tenants willing to sign long-term leases. All four of these elements came together for Central Park Commons,” said John Johannson, of CSM Corporation, in a statement.
CSM Corporation received approval from the Eagan City Council for the Central Park Commons mixed-use commercial project back in February 2015.
When developer CSM Corporation approached the City Council with their first two plans, they were turned down. The third time proved the charm. “The City Council was consistent and even stubborn about what they wanted,” said Johannson, “and with our third submittal, both we and the city ended up with a better project.”
During grand-opening festivities, Mayor Mike Maguire noted that Central Park Commons accounts for nearly 34 percent of all new retail construction in the Twin Cities currently. “That’s impressive, and it’s the second time since 2013 that Eagan has enjoyed that distinction,” he said, referring to the construction of Twin Cities Premium Outlets. In addition, the new center is bringing thousands of new jobs to Eagan, 735 at Hy-Vee alone, according to the city.
Among the additional retailers and restaurateurs that plan to put down stakes at Central Park Commons are AT&T, Bank of America, Café Zupas, DSW, Five Below, Massage Envy, Men’s Wearhouse, Naf Naf Grill, Orangetheory Fitness, Piada, Punch Pizza, R Taco, Sierra Trading, Tavern of Eagan Tile Shop, Total Wine and Ulta.
Features of the center include LED lighting, a pocket park and a dining area overlooking a small creek.
“You have transformed this area by raising its elevation and visibility,” noted Maguire, praising CSM for the new options and choices it has provided for residents and visitors. “We look forward to your continued success and as new neighbors and participants in this vital community of Eagan.”
See the full article from Eagan Patch here: