Northwind proposes aerospace testing facility in Rosemount with University of Minnesota partnership

A groundbreaking proposal for a new aerospace testing facility took center stage at the Rosemount City Council meeting on February 18, 2025. Northwind, a company with a rich history in wind tunnel testing, plans to establish the Minnesota Aerospace Complex on a site that once housed the University of Minnesota's aeronautical lab.

David Meyer, CEO of Northwind, expressed enthusiasm for the project, which aims to develop aerospace vehicles through advanced wind tunnel testing. The facility will feature three wind tunnel structures and is expected to employ around 100 people, including engineers, technicians, and researchers from the University of Minnesota. Meyer highlighted the historical significance of the location, noting that it was previously used for similar testing from 1946 to 1962.

The City Council is considering two key requests: a rezoning of the site from agricultural to employment and the approval of the preliminary and final plat for the North Wind addition. Staff and the Planning Commission have recommended these changes, aligning with the city's comprehensive plan. The project will also require a planned unit development approval to accommodate multiple buildings on the site.

Meyer emphasized the partnership with the University of Minnesota, which will contribute modeling and simulation expertise to the facility. This collaboration is expected to position the Minnesota Aerospace Complex as a critical research center in the U.S. for aerospace innovation.

As the council deliberates on the proposal, the community anticipates the potential economic and educational benefits that this state-of-the-art facility could bring to Rosemount and the broader region.