Edina plans affordable housing development near Fire Station 2
The Edina Housing & Redevelopment Authority discussed plans to develop a 4.8-acre parcel south of Fire Station 2 into residential housing on Thursday, with a focus on creating affordable units for lower-income residents and first-time homebuyers.
The authority held a work session—not a formal vote—to provide feedback on how city staff should prepare a request for proposals (RFP) to find a developer for the out-lot at 4401 76th Street West. The city purchased the entire 4.8-acre property in 2022 for $15.3 million with plans to split it into two phases: the fire station construction (now underway) and residential redevelopment of the remaining land.
Staff presented the site as ideal for mixed-income housing because of its proximity to the I-494 corridor, which contains 21% of all metro-area jobs, and its location in a walkable district with transit access. The proposal aligns with multiple city priorities, including the Greater Southdale District Plan's vision for higher-density development and the city's climate action goals. According to staff, building sustainable, dense housing in this location would reduce vehicle emissions while creating more affordable options with lower utility costs.
The development would include both rental and ownership housing at various affordability levels, serving households earning 30% to 120% of the area median income. Staff emphasized that affordable housing addresses equity concerns by reducing disparities that disproportionately affect people of color, seniors, and people with disabilities. The city's 2025 Quality of Life Survey identified affordable housing as one of the four greatest needs facing Edina.
The RFP will be evaluated on four criteria: equity (affordability levels and long-term mechanisms), health (walkable design and bike/pedestrian connections), sustainability (green construction and wetland enhancement), and stewardship (fiscal responsibility and community value). Staff plans to draft the RFP for authority approval in January 2026, release it in February, and receive proposals by April. The authority would recommend a developer to City Council in May or June 2026, with selection expected in July. Site plan approval and financing applications would follow in 2027-2028.
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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 recorded. This was a discussion and feedback session rather than a decision-making vote. The HRA was asked to provide input to guide staff in developing the RFP for future approval.
Staff presented a comprehensive analysis of the Fire Station 2 out-lot redevelopment opportunity. The 4.8-acre site (approximately 3 acres developable after wetland exclusion) was purchased in 2022 for $15.3 million with the understanding that it would be subdivided into two phases: Phase 1 (Fire Station 2 construction, now underway) and Phase 2 (out-lot redevelopment). Staff outlined the site's suitability for residential development based on: (1) alignment with the Greater Southdale District Plan's vision for mixed-use, higher-density development; (2) guided land use allowing 20-75 residential units per acre; (3) proximity to transit, jobs, retail, and amenities within walking distance; (4) community survey findings indicating strong demand for affordable housing and first-time homebuyer opportunities; and (5) support from the Edina Housing Foundation for affordable housing development. The proposal addresses multiple city priorities including climate action (reduced VMT, increased transit ridership, higher density), equity (affordable and attainable housing serving underrepresented populations), health (walkable design, healthy homes concepts), and stewardship (recapturing acquisition costs, placing site on tax roll). Staff recommended seeking a residential developer through an RFP process that would emphasize a mix of rental and ownership housing at various affordability levels (30-120% AMI) with long-term affordability mechanisms. The RFP would incorporate evaluation criteria across four value areas: Equity, Health, Sustainability, and Stewardship.
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 City purchased the property for $15.3 million with the understanding that the site would be subdivided to allow the new fire station to be constructed in phase one and the out-lot would be redeveloped as phase two.
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.
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. Further, investing in affordable housing ensures responsible management of resources to create sustainable, long-term housing solutions for community stability.
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 (7)
Adopted by City Council on December 18, 2018; included in 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Developed through three-year community engagement process with 18-member working group. Guides land use, housing diversity, and sustainable development for the district.
City's long-range planning document; Housing Chapter (August 18, 2020) addresses affordable housing, lifecycle housing, housing diversity, and transportation/land use integration relevant to the out-lot development.
City plan addressing greenhouse gas emissions reduction. Relevant strategies include decreasing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 7% by 2030, doubling transit ridership from 3.3% to 6.6% by 2030, and increasing population density by 4% by 2030.
Adopted by City Council on July 15, 2025; authorizes the Housing & Redevelopment Authority to act on the City's behalf in negotiating the sale and development of the Fire Station 2 out-lot site.
Community survey identifying top key findings including need for improved housing options, especially for lower-income residents and first-time homebuyers. Affordable housing identified as one of top four greatest needs facing the City.
Three work sessions held on February 13, March 13, and May 25, 2025, to establish future direction of affordable housing. Top priorities included new construction of townhomes for ownership, multifamily apartments, duplexes/triplexes, and single-family ownership housing.
Official property identifier for the 4.8-acre Fire Station 2 out-lot site; currently zoned Planned Industrial (PID) and tax exempt.
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Other Topics from This Document
Alignment with City Plans and Community Values
RFP Criteria and Evaluation Framework
Project Timeline and Next Steps
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