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Developer previews $100M senior‑housing plan at 7600 Parklawn; council raises height, shadow and financing questions
Summary
Greco Properties presented a two‑phase senior housing sketch plan for 7600 Parklawn — two 7‑story buildings (270 units) or an alternative with a 12‑story tower — estimating more than $100 million in development costs; councilmembers asked about shadows, parking, the 'front door', and possible TIF dependence.
Developers presented a large senior‑housing sketch plan to the Edina City Council on April 21 that would redevelop the office site at 7600 Parklawn into two upscale senior residential buildings adjacent to Fred Richards Park.
Josh Branstad, president of Greco Properties, and Mike Critch of BKB Architects described two concepts: a two‑building plan with two 7‑story structures (the presentation concept shows about 135 units in each building, roughly 270 units total) and an alternative with a 12‑story tower. Branstad said the site would be built in phases; he estimated the development could exceed $100 million and outlined rents ranging from roughly $2,000 for one‑bedroom units up to $6,000–$7,000 for premium units. Branstad said smaller units would start around 900–1,000 square feet and average unit size could be roughly 1,150–1,600 square feet depending on the concept.
Why it matters: The project would substantially change density and the built environment adjacent to Fred Richards Park and could affect shadowing, park character and municipal service demands. Council members focused on height, shadowing in winter months, how the site would connect to the park, whether surface parking could be relocated inside podium structures, and whether and how TIF or other incentives would be used for affordability.
Council reaction: Several council members expressed support in principle for senior housing but asked detailed follow‑up questions. Council member Jackson said she liked the idea of redeveloping the site for senior housing but said she was uncomfortable with a 12‑story tower because of shadowing on the park. Council member Pierce said the 7‑story concept "feels like a big building" but could fit with the park area if design addressed activation and connectivity. Council member Agnew pressed staff and the developer on the area’s long‑term vision and whether too much office land was converting to residential without a comprehensive land‑use strategy.
Financing and affordability: The developer said the project could include affordable units and that possibilities for TIF or other public tools would be explored, but acknowledged for‑sale product or condo units would be difficult at this location given price points and presale requirements. Council member Risser raised caution about using TIF for a largely senior or low‑occupancy demographic and urged attention to the long‑term fiscal implications of any public subsidy.
Next steps: This was a sketch‑plan step; the applicant received feedback and will proceed to formal application steps if it chooses, including a site‑plan review and any variance requests required by the mixed development zoning district.
