The Brooklyn Park Economic Development Authority unanimously approved a joint proposal from Fairmount Properties and Borough Happold as the finalist consultant team for the city's Biotech Innovation District project during Tuesday's meeting.

The consultant selection represents a major step forward for the planned innovation district in Brooklyn Park's northwest area, near the Target North campus headquarters and the future Blue Line light rail. The project aims to develop approximately 200 acres of the broader 700-acre northwest planning area into a biotech-focused development.

The selected team brings complementary expertise, with Fairmount Properties providing development, financing strategy and industry outreach capabilities, while Borough Happold contributes community engagement, infrastructure planning and industry analysis skills. The partnership also includes local firms Bolton & Menk, NEKA Creative, Formula Design, and JLL to provide continuity with ongoing area planning efforts.

During their presentation, the consultant team outlined an 18-month timeline to develop the district vision, engage stakeholders, establish private sector partnerships and create workforce development programs. They emphasized the project's potential to generate an estimated 10,000 jobs and 3,000 housing units, representing approximately 9,000 new residents for the area.

EDA Director Kim Gladhill will prepare a final contract with the selected team for consideration at a future meeting, with work expected to begin following contract approval. The EDA also scheduled a joint bus tour with the Planning Commission for April 23 to showcase ongoing development projects throughout the city.