Graco proposes three-story, 100,000 sq ft headquarters in Dayton; EDA reviews concept plan

City planning staff presented a concept plan submitted by Graco proposing to relocate its global headquarters to Dayton to a site between existing company buildings. The concept shows a three-story, roughly 100,000-square-foot office building; applicants projected eventual employment of roughly 250'300 people when fully occupied, though staff said initial occupancy would be phased over time.

Staff noted the parcel borders French Lake and therefore will be subject to shoreland regulations that must be resolved through the plat and site-plan review process. The commission was told entitlement activity is expected over the coming winter and spring, with more detailed preliminary and final applications to follow. No tax-increment financing or tax abatement has been requested; staff said the city administrator had discussed potential fee reductions with the applicant but that any incentive would require council approval.

Why it matters: commissioners said a headquarters and higher-skilled office employment would generate greater tax revenue and create local demand for retail and services (lunch options, restaurants) near the employment site. Staff and members asked officials to think about supporting retail/amenity development near the site to capture employee spending.

Next steps: applicants will work through winter preparing formal plat and site-plan applications; planning staff will track shoreland requirements and report back as formal applications are submitted. Commissioners asked staff to consider potential impacts on nearby corridors and to coordinate relevant permitting and infrastructure planning.