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Arden Hills updates timeline for TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons as lawsuit proceeds
Summary
City officials described a hybrid development approach for the California parcel at TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons, outlined construction timing (pre-staging and tree protection in 2026; mass grading and roadway 2027–2028) and said litigation by developer Alatus is in discovery with a target completion date of Aug. 31, 2026.
City Administrator Jessica Jagoe told the City Council on May 26 that Joint Development Authority (JDA) staff are refining a “hybrid approach” to solicit development for the California parcel at TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons, potentially packaging 4–5 development areas for simultaneous or staggered release. Jagoe said staff is defining developer expectations to include in a future solicitation and that pre-staging and tree protection work will begin this year, with mass grading and construction of a spine road programmed for 2027–2028.
Public Works Director and City Engineer David Swearingen said utility work across Highway 96 at Rice Creek and tree clearing are slated for 2026, and that roadway construction would follow in 2027 and 2028. Jagoe added that remediation work around Round Lake has a defined remediation area, though staff did not confirm the final agreement language at the meeting.
Mayor David Grant told the council that Alatus has filed a lawsuit against the Joint Development Authority (the JDA is a partnership of the City and Ramsey County). City Attorney Kori Land said the parties are in discovery — the regulated exchange of documents, admissions and depositions — and that discovery was scheduled to be completed by Aug. 31, 2026. "Discovery is when the parties are exploring each other's information through a very regulated process," Land said. The city noted a different law firm will represent the JDA in that matter.
Jagoe said the JDA Advisory Committee will bring a recommendation to the full JDA on June 1 to proceed with the hybrid approach; if the JDA directs staff to advance the plan, staff will continue to refine developer expectations and request the City and County discuss cost recovery of public improvements under the existing Joint Powers Agreement and a forthcoming cooperative agreement.
The council also discussed environmental protections: Jagoe reported Ramsey County is coordinating with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on osprey nest protections; she said fencing to protect endangered species onsite was expected to be installed in September 2026.
What happens next: the JDA will consider the advisory committee recommendation at its June 1 meeting, and the council has been told litigation discovery is expected to continue through Aug. 31, 2026, which may affect timing or terms for solicitation and infrastructure cost discussions.
