What’s Developing in Roseville?

What’s Developing in Roseville? Main Photo

13 Jan 2020


The city of Roseville is known for being a central hub of activity for its residents and businesses. Equidistant to both downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul, the first-ring suburb attracts people from near and far for a variety of reasons and activities. But lately, there is a different type of activity taking place in and around Roseville: the activity of developers. 

“Much of this developer activity is in response to the pent up demand for housing, both in the Metro area and more specifically in Roseville,” says Roseville Mayor Dan Roe. “We know what  kind of housing is being sought, and we are trying to meet that demand.” 

There is a big demand for market-rate as well as affordable senior housing which is in line with Roseville’s desire to support more affordable senior housing in the area.

Roe told us that CommonBond has received the approval of a proposal for 60 units of age-restricted affordable housing in Roseville. 

Roseville, MN News-Twin Lakes Station at the old Boater’s WarehouseThis is in addition to 224 units of age-restricted affordable housing at the old Boaters’ Outlet site that also includes more than 250 units of family affordable housing. 

“This area has plenty of retail, hotels, and restaurants, but not a lot of affordable housing,” says Roe. “Couple that with transit challenges in the area, and issues can arise for workers. Having affordable housing close to a variety of jobs makes a lot of sense.”

Along with affordable housing, Roseville is ripe to add more market-rate family housing, especially since no new market-rate apartment buildings have been built in Roseville for over 35 years. 

Collaboration and Development

Some of that market-rate family housing is being built at an old trucking terminal site referred to as Twin Lakes. This area has been a focus for development for many years and thanks to the Roseville City Council working alongside residents, they have figured out the best mix of uses for the area. 

“It’s nice to see things once talked about coming to fruition in that area,” said Roe.

Along with 127 units of market-rate apartments on Fairview Avenue that will be built in 2020, the Twin Lakes area will also be the home of two business headquarters - Calyxt, which has already been built, and Colder Products, which is under construction.  Additionally, long-time Roseville construction business McGough has completed the renovation of an architecturally significant warehouse into their new corporate headquarters and showplace in Twin Lakes, just north of their former location. Finally, a new medical office in this same area will house Tareen Dermatology, a local business that is growing and opting to stay in Roseville as opposed to relocating its headquarters to another suburban location.

Roseville MN News-Colder ProductsOther “legacy” sites in Roseville are being redeveloped, such as Rosedale Center which recently underwent extensive renovations including a total overhaul of the interior and the addition of a Von Maur department store. The next phase is to redevelop the empty Herberger’s building and add age-restricted and non-restricted market-rate housing, a hotel, a small grocery store, and underground parking. 

Finally, the city of Roseville partnered with the cities of St. Paul and Maplewood to figure out how to reinvigorate the Rice Street and Larpenteur Avenue area.  

“We have been working for the past two or three years on developing a vision for the area, such as improvements to the road and beautifying the area with landscaping,” said Roe. “We heard from residents and area businesses, and we collaborated with East Metro Strong about what we can do for that corridor. There has been outstanding cooperation between elected officials and other stakeholders in all three communities.”

They are in the early stages of implementing their vision. 

Roe said all of this development is a result of a Public Financial Assistance Policy, which informs decision-makers about what the city’s priorities are when it comes to financial assistance. “Housing and improvements to existing buildings are definitely a priority and it’s nice to see those needs being met,” he said. 

"The Roseville Economic Development Authority (REDA) coordinates and administers economic development and redevelopment initiatives for the City of Roseville, MN. It serves as a comprehensive resource for

businesses seeking to startup and grow in the area. In addition to prioritizing business retention and expansion, the REDA connects area employers with the dedicated and talented workforce they need to succeed and thrive."