Welcome to Agenda Edina, a program summarizing the actions taken at city hall that affect you most. I'm your host Dorothia Marty. Construction is officially underway on a new chapter for arts and learning in Edina. Two and three. Go. >> Henipin County broke ground October 3rd on the redevelopment of the Southdale Library. A project that will also create a new permanent home for the Edina Art Center. For nearly 50 years, the Edina Arts Center has been a place where creativity, connection, and learning come together. Now, that legacy will continue inside a modern state-of-the-art facility designed to bring art into everyday community life. The art center will occupy the second floor of the new building with dedicated studio space, flexible classrooms, upgraded equipment, and room to expand art programming for learners of all ages. The new location will also support intergenerational programs and gallery space to showcase local artists. >> We're going to have uh two classrooms to create two-dimensional artwork. We're going to have plenty of space to do ceramics and pottery. So, we'll be able to bring that program back and it's just going to be an amazing location for everybody to come and create and develop more community. During the groundbreaking ceremony, Henipin County leaders and Edina city officials emphasized that this project is about more than bricks and mortar. It's about building a place where residents can learn, imagine, and create together. The shared facility will include a light-filled atrium for public events, outdoor plazas, flexible community meeting rooms, and direct access to the 9M Creek Trail. Sustainability is also a major focus of the project using geothermal energy, solar panels and native plantings to manage rainfall and reduce environmental impact. >> There is obviously cost savings in the future for it being more environment environmentally friendly as a building as well too. But I think for us it's also the education purpose. So when you have families, when you have children in the space, you can bring nature in the outside of the building, but also the climate initiatives inside the building as well too. There's money savings, but there's the education piece as well. >> The new Southdale Library and Edina Art Center are expected to open in 2026, ushering in a new destination for creativity and community right here in Edina. A botanical experiment has been growing at Arnison Acres Park for the past 25 years. With a little luck, the fruits of this trial run will take root in other city parks. Edina TV shows us where a handful of northern peon trees can be found and why growing more of them is so important. >> As with any harvest, >> ahead of me is the peon trees. >> Timing is everything. Once a squirrel sees them, within one or two days, they'll be all gone. >> It turns out squirrels have a big appetite for the pecan nuts these seven trees at the south end of Arnison Acres Park are growing. But retired park service worker Tim Zimmerman's determination is even greater. >> There I go. I got two of them. >> You see, he helped to plant these trees 25 years ago, and he's been waiting all summer for this opportunity. Well, last year I was on vacation and I came back a week later and they're all gone. >> It turns out retirement >> I got three of them >> has its benefits and >> they're absolutely delicious. It all started from Okus Nursery which um they haven't been around for over 7 years now. Uh grew these called the northern peacons and I believe the peacons originally from southern Minnesota which is zone 5. We're in zone four up here. In the past, it was thought this part of Minnesota was too cold for these trees, but now a handful are growing successfully, and the goal is to grow more. >> And I think it's going to benefit having diversity of different nut trees growing because of different diseases and stuff that come by. >> This year's harvest will go through a few months of refrigeration before a process that simulates critters scratching at the nuts husk. >> What they need is it's called scarification. And so what we do is just take them, put them in a big uh jar with with sand in there and then shake them. >> But the city's forester says it's worth the effort. Just like this American chestnut growing nearby, a species that was nearly extinct. Finding new seeds to grow is challenging. >> They're in such high demand that they won't even be available to order unless like you reach out to them ahead of time or get like on a list. Someday soon, more of these pecan trees will be found in other city parks. The squirrels will be there, too. >> And I got a feeling each year it's going to get better. >> I'm Dan Carpenter, Rodina TV. If more than enough of a pean sprout next year, the remaining plants will be available for purchase at the annual Mother's Day plant sale hosted by the Edina Garden Council. The restaurant scene at 50th in France is evolving again. While two longtime eeries recently closed, plans are already underway for a new locallyowned restaurant that promises to bring fresh energy to downtown Edina. Coachina Delbario closed earlier this month at 536 France Avenue. But building owner Ryan Bernett isn't stepping away from the space. Instead, he's partnering with Chef Daniel Delpra to reimagine the location and bring in a new dining concept. Delpra operates several popular Twin Cities restaurants, including Martina, Porzana, and Kolita, as well as Dexters, also located in the 50th and France district. >> We have been seeing a big moment for 50th in France with dining. Uh we're bringing in so many new restaurants and new offerings for our community. Um we are very honored to have Daniel Delprad and Ryan Bernett bringing us Americana. Uh this is going to be such a huge draw to our district. Earlier this month, the city council approved plans for a second floor addition featuring a gabled glass conservatory that will add more dining and bar space with a modern open design. The existing building will stay largely the same, but with updates to the exterior color and entryway to create a fresh new look. >> Between the design of the project, the the dining that we know Danielle Delpra is known for, um, experiences that people can have in this new space. It's It's going to be unbelievable. >> Council approval also included a parking variance. As part of that approval, the council requested a comprehensive parking study for the district to help support business growth while maintaining a great experience for visitors. Construction is expected to begin soon, and more details about the new restaurant will be announced in the coming months. The public is invited to a dedication and open house for the new fire station 2 at the end of the month. The open house will begin with a station dedication at 400 p.m. Thursday, October 30th. Following the dedication, the open house will start at 4:30 p.m. and end at 8:00 p.m. Visitors can trickor treat throughout the new station on West 76th Street. Meet Sparky the mascot and paramedic firefighters. Eat a free hot dog. Jump in inflatables. Take a self-guided tour. Watch live demonstrations. Spray a fire hose and color at any Dina Art Center station. A live fire demonstration will be held at 5:30 p.m. and kitchen fire demonstrations at 5,6 and 700 p.m. Visitors will also be able to meet with the Dina Public Health Division, Edina Police Officers, 911 Dispatchers, members of Minnesota Task Force 1, and community partners. We hope to see you there. Thank you for watching this episode of Agenda Edina. I'm your host, Doraththa Marty.