The Edina City Council approved a conditional use permit with a height variance for a new Tactical training building on the south side of the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility on Brar Boulevard. The decision clears the way for construction of a facility designed to enhance training capabilities for regional law enforcement and public safety personnel.

The new building will feature flexible, multi-level design to simulate real-world training scenarios. According to details presented at the meeting, the structure will be primarily one level but include a mezzanine with multiple sets of stairs. Garage doors at each end will allow vehicles to enter for training exercises. About half the building will have movable panels that can be rearranged to replicate residential apartments, commercial properties, and other environments where officers conduct searches and tactical operations.

The facility will be jointly owned and operated by Edina, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, and the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Beyond these agencies, the building will be available for rent to other local and federal law enforcement organizations, expanding its regional impact. Training scenarios will include building searches, use of force techniques, traffic enforcement, and hostage rescue operations.

The approval comes as the South Metro Public Safety Training Facility approaches its 20th anniversary. The new Tactical building represents a significant expansion of the facility's capabilities and is expected to enhance public safety preparedness across the region.