urbanMSP

I'd heard complimentary things about the trails throughout this development and nearby.

Looks like 10101 Bren Rd.

I don't get the appeal of living here....I just don't, but glad somebody does.

There are a lot of employers in the area, plus there are already a number of apartments and condos nearby, so the demand is there. I've known a few people over the years who found it convenient to live in the area due to their jobs.

I'm aware of UHG and other employer's presence nearby, but this setting and form seems like a hodgepodge of suburban and urban ideals, and in all the wrong ways (higher density but not walkable and is auto-dependent, mid-rise but has no real views, etc). It feels like a contradiction to me (which would be a better name for this thing than "RiZe"). BUT, if their target is upper-middle-class empty-nesters or business professionals with no children who like the suburban lifestyle without the hassle of taking care of their property, and/or just want a 2nd/3rd home (penthouse in the 'burbs), this is IT.

Oh, I'm not defending the design or anything like that. But if someone works nearby, they probably already drive just due to the nature of the area. There are tons of suburbanites who live in apartments or condos but still drive a lot. Not everybody cares that much about having stuff in walking distance, while others may want that, but still base their decision for where to live on other reasons.

Agreed, but still don't get that appeal. I realize the beauty is in the eye of the beholder though.

Developer proposes 'urban' apartments in Minnetonka
http://www.startribune.com/real-estate- ... 399877301/

"LeCesse Development Corporation told the Minnetonka City Council on Thursday night that it wants to build a 322-unit apartment complex that would replace a pair of industrial buildings along Bren Road."

STOP. USING. MASSING. AS. "RENDERINGS".

Sorry, it's just a really dumb thing to do.

http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/n ... at.html#i1

Looks like a ridiculously not-urban design. Blank walls hiding the parking podium face the "open space" behind the property. And there's no active frontage along the two primary streets, separated from the apartment block by a double-stacked row of parking.

I'm less concerned with the setbacks or frontages (given that nothing about this area is in a remotely urban context), but the fact that the building is oriented away from the SWLRT station is kinda disappointing. The station is just a bit northwest of this site, a very walkable <.5 mile distance away (assuming sidewalks will be installed at some point). The most logical building orientation for LRT riders would rotate the building into the west "wing" of the site and leave the east wing as the open space (opposite of what is planned). Seems that would obstruct the existing trail network in the area, which goes right through the middle of the site (the trail shown on the plans is existing).

What a strange area this is, with the looping one-way road network and surprisingly robust trail system running through dozens of private properties and tunneling under most roads.

Did all of the newspapers agree to use snark quotation marks around urban?

Oooh, the Texas Donut combined with the Portland Claw! Nice design!

What is a Portland Claw?

An ell shaped 6 story apartment complex? I made it up.

322-unit Lacesse proposal on Bren Road in the Opus business park approved unanimously.

http://sailor.mnsun.com/2016/11/23/tonk ... bren-road/

10% of units will be set for "affordable", meaning accessible to people at 80% of area median income.

The long delayed Music Barn Apartments along Shady Oak Road was approved in 2015, the city just re-approved them because the permit expired in December 2016.

http://sailor.mnsun.com/2017/01/30/musi ... -concerns/

Residents nearby are very upset "affordable" apartments will be anywhere close to them.

Another parcel in the Opus II business park to be converted to 240 unit apartments.

http://finance-commerce.com/2017/02/min ... ight-rail/

This one right next to future SWLRT station.

Cheesecake Factory planned for Ridgedale Center
http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/n ... enter.html

I think it's strange that they chose another west metro location over one in the east. But I think this new location will suite them well.

At the very west end of Hopkins' Mainstreet, on the Minnetonka side of Shady Oak Road, the city bought the land a business was on because Hennepin County insisted the 11,000 AADT road would climb to 15,000. This "required" widening a winding 2-lane road to four lanes plus median and turn lanes. The old street car business district was too close to the future widened ROW, "requiring" the cities to buy out the land owners.

Minnetonka wants to redevelop the property now with some use to make the price the city paid worth it. A three story apartment of $800-1200 rents (aka affordable) is proposed.

http://finance-commerce.com/2017/02/ren ... -lrt-line/

There have been loud complaints of towers, criminals, threats to neighborhood character. To beware of people who can afford such low rents.

Hennepin County really knows how to make an appealing and walkable commercial corridor: https://goo.gl/maps/ZFKbvBLDiNt

Yep, they really ruined what used to be a pedestrian wonderland: https://goo.gl/maps/mWyJGyiV5C12