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Developers pitch 55+ housing and expanded retail for former Macy’s site; HRA briefed on possible TIF support
Summary
At a June 11 HRA briefing, staff introduced developer teams for the former Macy’s site at 7235 France Avenue. The Doran Group outlined a proposal for a 55+ building (roughly 130–140 units) with about 7,200 sq ft of France‑front retail and expanded parking; staff said the project’s estimated $71 million cost will likely require tax‑increment financing, with collections for the district beginning in 2028.
The Edina Housing and Redevelopment Authority on June 11 received a first look at revised plans for the former Macy’s furniture property at 7235 France Avenue and heard a Doran Group concept for the northwest parcel that would emphasize 55+ (active adult) housing, street‑front retail and a larger parking structure.
Economic Development Director Bill Nuendorf told the HRA that Enclave Companies purchased the property earlier this year and that Enclave intends to sell the northwest parcel to another developer. "They still anticipate the need for tax increment financing to go forward on all four of the buildings as they initially expected," Nuendorf said, describing a strategy to diversify financing by parcel.
Doran Group President Evan Doran described the firm’s experience in the Twin Cities and said the northwest parcel concept would maintain retail along France Avenue (about 7,200 square feet in Doran’s concept), provide roughly 130–140 age‑restricted units, and add approximately 40 publicly accessible parking stalls. Doran said the active‑adult unit mix and increased parking and retail area are primary drivers of the project's financial gap; Nuendorf estimated the total development cost at just over $71 million and said the precise TIF request is not yet defined.
Staff reminded commissioners that state law and local practice set TIF rules and timelines: the TIF district was authorized in 2024 with tax increment collections beginning in 2028 and a typical district duration of about 26 years; the HRA generally issues pay‑as‑you‑go notes after project completion and uses look‑backs and clawbacks to limit over‑subsidy.
Several commissioners raised specific concerns during the discussion. Commissioner Jackson warned the HRA that shifting the Promenade 50 feet south to accommodate a larger northwest footprint could reduce the visible, publicly appreciated benefits of the redevelopment and alter the France Avenue corridor’s interface. Other commissioners asked about sequencing and urged that detailed site plans and planning‑commission review precede any final HRA financing commitments. Commissioner Pierce encouraged continued dialogue with Enclave and Doran to refine the finance package.
No HRA action was taken June 11; staff said Doran and Enclave expect to submit a full site plan to planning staff in the weeks ahead, after which the project will receive public review at the planning commission and city council, and then return to the HRA for any TIF redevelopment agreement.
