The Edina City Council approved a conditional use permit Monday for electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian to operate a 3,200-square-foot showroom at Galleria mall, while also authorizing staff to pursue preliminary engineering for a proposed pedestrian underpass beneath France Avenue.

The Rivian approval came with nine conditions, including installation of an exterior door for emergency vehicle removal, limiting battery charges to 30% for vehicles stored inside, and maintaining proper fire sprinkler coverage. The showroom will display six vehicles available for test drives at 3510 Galleria.

Council members unanimously supported the France Avenue underpass study after staff reported strong community backing. More than 70% of respondents to the city's quality of life survey supported improvements at the 72nd Street and France Avenue crossing, with over 250 people providing online comments. The proposed 33-foot-wide underpass would connect developments on both sides of the busy county highway.

The council also approved property transfers and development agreement amendments for projects at 5146 Eden Avenue and 7235 France Avenue. Staff will transfer the former public works site from the Housing and Redevelopment Authority to the city to maximize revenue from its eventual sale to developers.

In other business, the council allocated $1.4 million in unassigned fund balance to cover potential tariff costs and contingencies for the aquatic center filter room project, reducing the amount the city must borrow. Resident Nancy Greer again requested installation of advanced warning systems at the Grand View Square crosswalk, with staff promising a status update by Friday.