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Mayor proposes amphitheater as council weighs housing and mixed-use options for downtown triangle site
Summary
Staff said the triangle site has attracted developers, including interest in a roughly 50-unit affordable housing project tied to a 2027 tax-credit round; the mayor and several council members urged prioritizing a community amphitheater/park to preserve riverfront access, while others suggested issuing an RFP and soliciting mixed-use proposals. Soil testing, DNR requirements and a river-wall TIF project were flagged as prerequisites.
City staff summarized changes to downtown street geometry that enlarged the triangle site at East Jackson and 2nd Street North and said those changes have increased developer interest. Staff said one prospective developer has indicated interest in a solely affordable-housing project—“I think maybe it's 50 units and 4 floors,” staff said—aimed at a 2027 tax-credit funding round, but added previous proposals had not moved forward for a variety of reasons.
The mayor urged considering an amphitheater/community space on the riverfront, saying it could create a permanent public venue for music and events. “I see the benefit of having a conversation about turning this into, more of a amphitheater venue…with some permanent shelters for, you know, structures for vending purposes,” the mayor said. Several council members, including Jake, expressed support for a community-first approach to avoid blocking river views with private development; others recommended soliciting proposals broadly and tailoring outreach so developers do not waste time on concepts the council will not support. Staff also flagged environmental and infrastructure prerequisites: soil testing (noting the prior work did not include the 1st Street corridor), possible DNR testing or excavation/landfill work if contaminants are found, and a river-wall project funded by the downtown TIF that should be completed this year.
