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Council approves Hillblock Condominiums PUD and CIC plat for downtown redevelopment
Summary
The Faribault City Council approved a PUD, CIC plat and development agreement for Hillblock Condominiums (217–223 Central Ave), allowing roughly 7,000 sq ft of commercial space and 19 dwelling units, plus an elevator for ADA access and an alley easement to the city. Planning staff said the project meets downtown planning goals.
The Faribault City Council on April 14 approved a planned unit development (Ordinance 2026‑05), a common interest community (CIC) plat (Resolution 2026‑11) and a companion authorization (Resolution 2026‑112) that clear the way for the Hillblock Condominiums project at 217–223 Central Avenue.
Planning Manager Harry Davis told the council the proposal would redevelop three downtown properties to create about 7,000 square feet of ground‑floor commercial space and 19 dwelling units on the upper floors, add an elevator to provide ADA access and create a public‑alley easement that the city will manage. The project team proposed parks fees and minor storefront adjustments and said the exterior historic character would be preserved.
"So far it seems like they are meeting the intent of the historic district guidelines for Central Avenue," Davis said, noting the Planning Commission had unanimously recommended approval and that staff found the project aligned with the comprehensive plan.
Councilors moved and seconded the related ordinance and resolutions on the record and the measures passed. The council recorded the motions and approved the CIC plat and the development agreement that sets the owner’s commitments, fees and alley easement terms.
Supporters at the planning hearing said the proposal fits objectives for downtown reinvestment, while one member of the public had raised concerns about added density and impacts on adjacent property. The council and staff said condo unit mix would lean toward one‑ and two‑bedroom units targeted at young professionals, and that the developer indicated an intent to hold and manage the units for roughly a decade before potential sales.
Next steps include issuance of a certificate of appropriateness under historic‑district rules for any storefront changes, final plat recording and implementation of the development agreement terms.
