Edina Eyes Affordable Housing on Vacant Fire Station Land
The Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority discussed plans Thursday to seek developers for a 4.8-acre city-owned lot near Fire Station 2, with the goal of building a mix of affordable rental and ownership housing.
City staff presented a framework for developing vacant land south of Fire Station 2 at 4401 76th Street West during a special work session. The property, purchased as part of a $15.3 million acquisition in 2022, currently sits empty and generates no tax revenue. About three acres are developable after excluding wetland areas.
The Housing and Redevelopment Authority was asked to provide input on parameters for a formal request for proposals that would invite developers to submit plans for the site. Staff recommended the development include both rental apartments and homes for purchase, with affordability requirements to serve first-time homebuyers, seniors, and lower-income residents. No formal vote was taken, as the session was designed to gather feedback rather than make decisions.
The site sits near the I-494 corridor, which contains 21 percent of all metro-area jobs, making it well-suited for transit-oriented housing. Staff noted the development would align with the Greater Southdale District Plan's vision for higher-density, mixed-use neighborhoods and help address what the city's 2025 Quality of Life Survey identified as one of Edina's top four needs: affordable housing.
"Including affordable housing fosters a sense of belonging by providing stable, inclusive communities where all residents feel valued and connected," the staff report stated. Officials also emphasized that sustainable construction at the location could reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating walkable neighborhoods with lower utility costs for residents.
The Edina Housing Foundation expressed interest in developing affordable housing on the site in August 2024. Under the proposed timeline, staff would bring a draft request for proposals to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority in January 2026, with proposals due from developers by April 2026. The City Council could select a developer as early as July 2026, with site plan approval and financial closing targeted for 2028.
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Votes (1)
Provide Feedback for Preparation of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Out-Lot South of Fire Station 2 at 4401 76th Street West for Residential Use, Including Affordable Housing
Dissent: No dissent or opposition documented in the transcript. The meeting was a work session seeking HRA input on RFP parameters rather than a decision-making vote.
Staff presented a comprehensive analysis of the 4.8-acre city-owned parcel, noting its acquisition cost of $15.3 million as part of the Fire Station 2 project in 2022. The site is currently vacant and tax-exempt. Staff outlined two prior development options (private residential/mixed-use vs. public open space) considered by City Council in May 2024, and noted the Edina Housing Foundation's August 2024 expression of interest in developing affordable housing. The HRA was asked to provide feedback on RFP parameters before formal preparation. Key discussion points included: (1) alignment with the Greater Southdale District Plan's vision for mixed-use, higher-density development with diverse housing types; (2) addressing documented community needs for affordable housing, first-time homebuyer opportunities, and lifecycle housing; (3) integration of sustainability and climate action goals through walkable, transit-oriented development; (4) equity considerations including long-term affordability mechanisms and outreach to underrepresented populations; (5) health and stewardship criteria such as 'healthy homes' construction standards, wetland enhancement, and parking strategies minimizing impervious surfaces. Staff presented preliminary concepts from BKV Architects (March 2023) and the Edina Housing Foundation/LHB (August 2024) as reference models. A proposed timeline was outlined: January 2026 HRA review of draft RFP, February 2026 RFP release, April 2026 proposal deadline, May/June 2026 HRA recommendation to City Council, July 2026 City Council developer selection, and 2028 site plan approval and financial closing.
Notable Quotes (6)
When 4401 76th Street West was selected for the new Fire station 2 site in 2022, it was communicated that the site was large enough to accommodate the fire station and provided an opportunity to develop the land to the south of the station referred to as the 'out-lot'.
The site is located near the I-494 corridor which contains 21% of all metro area jobs. Offices and possibly limited retail uses would also help bring activity to the neighborhood throughout the day and add vibrancy to the district.
Including affordable housing fosters a sense of belonging by providing stable, inclusive communities where all residents feel valued and connected. Including a focus on creating access to affordable housing provides opportunities to minimize housing disparities that disproportionately impact people of color, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Affordable housing and climate action are closely related because the way homes are built and where they are located contributes to community greenhouse gas emissions. Building sustainable, dense housing can reduce the carbon emissions from the built environment while also creating more affordable housing options that are walkable, have lower utility costs and are resilient to climate change.
The cost of the parcel for Fire Station 2 and out-lot was $15.3M. Redeveloping the out-lot and bringing this site to full potential will serve to recapture some of those acquisition funds and will place the out-lot on the tax roll.
Housing and Redevelopment Authority consider the out-lot for residential use, including a mix of rental and ownership housing that is both affordable and attainable.
Ordinances & Resolutions (6)
Adopted December 18, 2018; integrated into 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Guides evolution of regional destination into higher-density, sustainable, mixed-use area with spectrum of living opportunities (ownership, rental, 'Missing Middle' housing) at varying income levels.
Adopted August 18, 2020. Establishes goals for affordable and workforce housing, lifecycle housing options, transit-oriented development, and inclusive community vision addressing disparities for people of color, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Guides strategies to decrease community-wide VMT by 7% by 2030, double transit ridership from 3.3% to 6.6%, increase population density by 4%, mitigate flood hazards, and promote climate-aligned economic investment.
Adopted by City Council on July 15, 2025, authorizing the Housing & Redevelopment Authority to act on the City's behalf in negotiating the sale and development of the Fire Station 2 out-lot.
Key findings identified need for improved housing options, especially for lower-income residents and first-time homebuyers; affordable housing shortage ranked in top four greatest needs facing the city.
Three sessions held February 13, March 13, and May 25, 2025, to establish affordable housing priorities. Top priorities included new construction of townhomes for ownership, multifamily apartments, duplexes/triplexes, and single-family ownership housing.
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Other Topics from This Document
Affordable Housing Development Strategy
Climate Action and Sustainability Integration
Community Engagement and Values Alignment
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