Proposed Lot Split at Prairie Lakes Corporate Center Stirs Planning Commission Debate
A request to subdivide 13.07 acres at Prairie Lakes Corporate Center into two lots for future redevelopment sparked discussion among commissioners regarding long-term site viability and flexibility.
Eden Prairie’s Planning Commission convened on March 23, 2026, for a public hearing regarding the Prairie Lakes Corporate Center Subdivision 2026-01. The proposal, brought forth by Kraus-Anderson, sought a Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendment, preliminary plat approval, and a site plan amendment for a 13.07-acre parcel located within the Prairie Lakes Corporate Center. The primary objective of the request was to split a property containing two existing office buildings into two separate lots.
Robert Cunningham, representing Kraus-Anderson, presented the rationale behind the subdivision. He explained that the project currently comprises two distinct buildings, one significantly larger than the other. The intention was to separate these into individual parcels to address the future of one structure in particular.
The project right now is comprised of two buildings. One's larger, one smaller. We're proposing to split the lot so that we can start to deal with the problem building.
Cunningham elaborated on the condition of the existing structures, stating that while one building remains highly functional, the other has become functionally obsolete. The proposed lot split, therefore, aimed to create separate legal parcels, allowing for greater flexibility in managing the future of the less viable building.
One building is very functional... The other building is functionally obsolete, and we're looking to maintain the building that remains functional.
City staff, represented by Jeremy, presented their report and analysis of the subdivision waivers. Jeremy clarified the immediate impact of the proposal, emphasizing its administrative nature rather than a physical change to the site.
There is no redevelopment of the property. There's no changes to the site plan. There's no changes to the building. This is a paper change.
Despite staff’s assessment of the immediate impact, several commissioners raised questions about the long-term implications and potential challenges arising from the proposed division. Commissioner Farrelly expressed reservations about approving the split without a clearer vision for the functionally obsolete parcel's future.
It just seems premature to me that we're approving a lot split and retaining the PUD status without knowing whether it will ever qualify to become another PUD or not.
Commissioner Farrelly further probed the independence of future redevelopment, inquiring whether a new owner of the southern parcel could proceed with redevelopment independently. Cunningham confirmed that separate ownership would allow for independent action, leading to continued discussion among commissioners regarding the potential for isolated redevelopment without a unified site plan for the overall corporate center property.
It doesn't have to be both property owners coming back, does it? ... So the south property owner, the new south property owner could act on his own or her own behalf to redevelop that parcel.
Commissioner Duncan also voiced concerns, focusing on the practical aspects of future development. Specifically, questions arose regarding drainage and utility easements, as well as maintaining flexibility for redevelopment should the parcels be sold separately. Commissioner Taylor, however, sought to clarify the intent behind the proposal, confirming that the primary goal was to provide the property owners with the flexibility to sell the parcels independently if they chose to do so in the future.
The public hearing concluded with commissioners deliberating on the balance between granting owner flexibility and ensuring cohesive, viable development within the corporate center in the long term. The decision on the Prairie Lakes Corporate Center Subdivision 2026-01 will set a precedent for how future changes to established PUDs are handled within the city.
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Full analysis
- Proposed lot split of functionally obsolete office building site sparks debate over premature gerrymandering of property lines.
- Concerns raised by commission regarding lack of comprehensive redevelopment plan for the southern parcel.
- City staff defends 'paper change' subdivision despite concerns about future non-compliant setbacks.
- Kraus-Anderson seeks to isolate obsolete office building for potential future demolition and redevelopment.
- Potential long-term site functionality issues regarding fire access and parking if parcels are sold separately without unified site plans.
One building is very functional... The other building is functionally obsolete, and we're looking to maintain the building that remains functional.
It doesn't have to be both property owners coming back, does it? ... So the south property owner, the new south property owner could act on his own or her own behalf to redevelop that parcel.
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Other Topics from This Document
Approval of March 9th Meeting Minutes
Planned Unit Development Amendment for 13.07 acres
Preliminary plat approval into two lots
Site plan amendment for office property
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