The Bloomington Planning Commission reviewed updates to the 13-year-old South Loop District Plan during a study session Thursday, focusing on building standards, public spaces and office property flexibility.

Planning staff presented proposed revisions to the 2012 plan, emphasizing parks and open space development, walkability improvements and strengthening connections between Mall of America and Bloomington Central Station. The update addresses concerns that park development has not kept pace with population and employment growth in the district.

Commissioners debated whether to require minimum building heights versus relying on floor area ratios to guide development intensity. Several commissioners favored requiring buildings of at least six stories or 60 feet in height, particularly around Bloomington Central Station, to achieve the district's urban transformation goals. Planning Manager Nick Johnson noted that requiring towers could increase construction costs by 20 to 40 percent.

The commission also discussed proactively rezoning office properties to allow more flexible uses, including residential development. Office vacancy rates in the South Loop District are estimated at 28 percent, higher than the citywide rate of 17 percent. Properties under consideration include Metro Office Park and sites south of Mall of America currently guided for office use.

Regarding public spaces, commissioners expressed concerns about existing gateway spaces at 24th Avenue and Lyndale Avenue, describing them as inhospitable due to traffic noise and wide road crossings. Staff will present the update to City Council in March, with public hearings planned for April.