Developers ask Cohasset for preferred‑developer agreement on 50–60‑unit waterfront townhomes

At an April 13 open work session, developers Travis Luedke of Prime Property Management and Ben Higginbotham of A‑1 Restoration presented a proposal to build a low‑density waterfront townhome community on city‑owned land along the Mississippi River. The developers estimated the site could hold about 50–60 units, likely built as fourplex‑style townhomes in phased construction (roughly 16 units per phase), and targeted seniors, health‑care workers and other professionals. "We're asking for a 'preferred developer agreement' to work with the city on site planning and funding options," Luedke said.

The proposal describes two‑bedroom, 1.5‑bath units with attached heated single‑stall garages, private yards and shared river access with potential dock connections to the city's trail system. Rents were estimated at about $2,000–$2,250 per month; developers emphasized the project would not be subsidized housing and said they plan to own and manage the property long term. To respond to long‑term maintenance concerns the developers said they would build with "good quality bones" and include maintenance by Prime Property Management in the rent rather than charging homeowners' association fees. The developers also asked the city to explore tax abatement and Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation (IRRR) grant opportunities with an application deadline in July, and noted potential additions such as three‑bedroom units in later phases if market demand warrants.

If the council is interested, the developers requested a formal preferred‑developer arrangement to enable joint site analysis and grant applications and said they would return with more refined site and density plans.