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Shakopee EDA approves up to 50% reimbursement for market study of 28‑acre site near amphitheater
Summary
The Shakopee Economic Development Authority approved a partnership with Canterbury to hire Hunden Partners and RSP Architects for a market feasibility and design study of roughly 28 acres adjacent to the amphitheater, reimbursing 50% of costs not to exceed $100,000 from Canterbury TIF administrative funds.
The Shakopee Economic Development Authority voted June 3 to partner with Canterbury to fund a market feasibility and early design study for about 28 acres adjacent to the amphitheater, approving reimbursement of up to 50% of the study cost and capping the EDA’s contribution at $100,000.
Board members and staff said the study will identify destination uses and help market the site to private developers. Kerski, an EDA staff presenter, said Canterbury recommended Hunden Partners for market feasibility and RSP Architects for design work and marketing materials.
Nut graf: The EDA described the site as “unique” in Minnesota and said the work will include market analysis, visitor‑draw modeling and early design concepts to guide private investment. The board approved sharing the study cost with Canterbury from administrative funds associated with the Canterbury TIF district, which staff said are projected to accumulate about $4 million over the 25‑year life of that TIF.
Staff said Canterbury retained Hunden Partners, a national destination real‑estate advisory firm, and RSP Architects is on the city’s approved architect list to produce early concepts. Kerski said Hunden has completed numerous large destination and mixed‑use studies and that the city will receive digital tools and market packages to use when soliciting developers. Amber Layman asked whether the study would include traffic analysis; staff replied that an exhaustive traffic analysis was already conducted as part of the project’s Environmental Assessment Worksheet and that the EAW identified a potential future traffic signal at a nearby UPS facility if demand warrants it.
The motion approved by the EDA described the EDA’s share as reimbursement of 50% of the extended cost “not to exceed $100,000” from Canterbury TIF administrative funds. During discussion staff provided a budget breakdown on the record: Hunden Partners’ market feasibility/economic scope was stated in the presentation as “hundred and 15000” and RSP Architects’ early design as $50,000. The record contains both the $100,000 reimbursement cap and the separate cost line items; the EDA vote approved the reimbursement arrangement as stated on the motion.
The board passed the motion without recorded opposition. Staff said the effort is intended to accelerate development that will support existing TIF bonds and ultimately increase revenue to the city.
The EDA also discussed next steps, including later selection of a branding firm, which staff said would be brought to the council after the feasibility and concept work is completed.
