Planning commission recommends approval for full‑block downtown mixed‑use redevelopment

The Mankato Planning Commission voted unanimously to recommend approval of CY10‑26, a conditional use permit and certificate of design compliance that would replace the block bounded by South Riverfront Drive, Warren Street, South Front Street and West Liberty Street with a multistory mixed‑use development including retail, office space, a restaurant and approximately 160 apartments, plus a shared parking ramp. The commission set city council review for April 13.

Staff planning presenter Bennett Hansen told the commission the applicant (ISG on behalf of Front Street Plaza LLC) proposes demolition of all existing structures on the block and construction of two primary buildings — a five‑story office building and a six‑story mixed‑use building — along with a three‑story parking ramp. Hansen said the project would be built in two construction phases and that city approval would include conditions requiring a traffic study, encroachment permits, replacement of boulevard trees at a 2:1…