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Lake Elmo council backs letter to support Valley Community Center’s proposed 50,000‑sqft community hub
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Summary
The Lake Elmo City Council unanimously approved a letter of support for the Valley Community Center’s proposal to buy the Lake Elmo Elementary School site and build an approximately 50,000‑square‑foot inclusive community center; applicants said a foundation grant would help cover acquisition costs.
David Frank, representing Valley Community Center, asked the Lake Elmo City Council on March 17 to provide a letter of support for the group’s plan to convert the Lake Elmo Elementary School site into an approximately 50,000‑square‑foot community center.
Frank said the organization has a signed purchase agreement with the Stillwater School District for the 12‑ to 13‑acre property and is in the due‑diligence phase while pursuing fundraising and financing. “Our idea is the creation of an approximately 50,000 square foot facility,” Frank said, describing the project as an inclusive community center for the St. Croix Valley that would host recreation, wellness and social‑connection programs.
The council’s letter is intended for a specific local foundation that might fund part of the acquisition; Frank said the applicants preferred to keep the foundation’s name out of the public record during the application process. He told the council they had completed market studies and community engagement and would continue design, engineering and outreach after a purchase is complete.
Council members asked about traffic impacts and timing. Council member Hearn asked if a traffic study had been conducted; Frank said the project is in due diligence and that the team is coordinating with city staff and Washington County to identify on‑ and off‑site improvements as needed. City staff confirmed the county will be involved in traffic review for the site because it borders county roadways.
Frank said the group expects to close on the property later in 2026 after the school year and that construction would likely start “a few years from now” after additional fundraising and design work.
After brief supportive comments from council members, a motion to provide the requested letter of support passed by roll call vote. The council’s letter will be included with the organization’s grant application; applicants said they will return with more detailed plans as the project advances.
