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Commission recommends approval of two 10‑resident care homes at former Oak Knoll school site
Summary
The commission unanimously recommended City Council approve the redevelopment of the former Oak Knoll Elementary site at 2000 Hopkins Crossroad into two one‑story, 10‑resident licensed care homes; staff and the applicant described stormwater rain‑gardens, secure exterior spaces and plans to salvage historic brick and a sign plaque.
The Minnetonka Planning Commission unanimously recommended City Council approve a conditional use permit to redevelop the former Oak Knoll Elementary School site at 2000 Hopkins Crossroad into two one‑story licensed residential care homes, each designed for 10 residents.
Planning staff summarized prior concept reviews and said the current plan calls for demolition of the existing school building and construction of two roughly 8,000‑square‑foot homes with common spaces, staff areas and parking. Staff noted required grading and stormwater basins, removal/impact to six high‑priority trees (within ordinance thresholds), and concluded the proposal meets conditional use standards and is appropriate for the residential guidance.
Jill Kiner of the Excelsior Group reviewed design refinements: the homes have a clustered footprint to reduce massing, central rain gardens will serve as secure outdoor amenities with walking paths and seating, the applicant will provide a plaque in consultation with the Minnetonka Historical Society and salvage brick for site features, and English Rose (operator) will implement secure access systems for resident safety. Commissioners pressed on separation from the county road, outdoor security and demolition logistics; the applicant said the outdoor amenity will be fenced and controlled and described a construction schedule starting after property acquisition in June with exterior completion expected in 2027 and interior work into 2028.
A neighbor email read into the record supported the project. Commissioner Johnson moved to recommend council approval; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously. City Council will hear the item on April 13.
