Edina Council Reverses Mixed-Use Development Plan on France Avenue
The Edina City Council unanimously approved a request to undo a 2017 rezoning decision for a major development site on France Avenue, allowing the property owner to pursue a more modest plan focused on office space improvements instead.
Southdale Office Partners, which owns the property at 6600-6868 France Avenue, asked the city council to reverse the 2017 rezoning that had approved a large mixed-use development. The company said the original ambitious plans were no longer feasible. The council approved both the rezoning reversal and a conditional use permit that allows the property to continue operating as office space.
Under the new arrangement, the property has been reclassified as Planned Commercial District 3. This change gives Southdale Office Partners the green light to move forward with interior remodeling and handicap accessibility improvements to the existing buildings—a more practical approach than the original mixed-use development plan.
A representative for Southdale Office Partners expressed gratitude for the decision, saying the council's approval "puts a clear set of guidelines in place and allows us to move forward with the confidence." The representative acknowledged that while the revised plan is "not that ambitious," it is "certainly important" for the property's future.
In other business, the Edina City Council recognized June as Pride Month, celebrating all residents who call Edina home. The council also approved plans for a concrete labyrinth to be installed at Arnison Acres Park this summer. The labyrinth was donated by the Diana Garden Council and its Keeladdale Garden Club and will complete the park's formal garden design along West 70th Street. The city will maintain the labyrinth once it is installed by Lowel Russell Concrete.
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Votes (1)
The Avenue on France Development: Rezoning Reversal and Conditional Use Permit Approval
The property owner, Southdale Office Partners, requested the City Council to rescind a 2017 rezoning for a large mixed-use development, stating the plans were no longer feasible. They requested the property be reclassified as Planned Commercial District 3 and a conditional use permit be granted for ongoing office use. The council approved both requests, enabling the owner to proceed with interior remodeling and handicap accessibility improvements for the existing buildings.
Notable Quotes (1)
We just want to thank you for this um the approval of the request here tonight. Um you know, you you've all seen this project as it sits today and you've seen what it could be in various elements, but today is not that um ambitious, but it certainly is important and um tonight's resolution really puts a clear set of guidelines in place and allows us to move forward with the confidence.
Ordinances & Resolutions (4)
The zoning classification the 6600-6868 France Avenue property was rezoned back to.
Granted to Southdale Office Partners to continue office use on the site.
The 2017 action that initially rezoned 6600-6868 France Avenue for mixed-use development, which was later rescinded.
Mentioned by the developer's representative as providing clear guidelines for moving forward.
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Other Topics from This Document
The Avenue on France Development Rezoning Reversal and Conditional Use Permit
Edina Police Department's Participation in National Police Week
Pride Month Recognition
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