6-Story Apartment Building Proposed in Southeast Plymouth
A new apartment project in southeast Plymouth is before the city, one of the largest officials have seen. Some residents say the proposal will dramatically change their neighborhood.
The plan by Edina-based Dietrich Development would build a 6-story, 330-unit apartment building north of Highway 55. The Sun Valley manufactured home park is to the west and the Village at Bassett Creek townhomes and the Bassett Creek Commons senior building are to the east. The project is described by the developer as a “major catalyst in redefining the area,” noting access to Metro Transit with the Station 73 park-and-ride across the street.
“Plymouth has a lot of amenities that can be added to this area and so there is a lot of demand for apartments to be built in this area,” said Cody Dietrich with Dietrich Development.
The proposal is just at the beginning phase – the concept stage – which allowed the Plymouth Planning Commission to give feedback to the developer this week. It also allowed residents a chance to air their concerns.
“Six stories would make it the tallest building within miles,” said Joe Benz, who lives in a townhome near the site. “That’s concerning.”
“When you get development like this that’s so condensed, it speaks a lot of high crime, a lot of traffic, a lot of chaos,” said Ruth Dimucci, who also lives nearby.
Residents brought up traffic concerns on 6th Avenue, such as residents having trouble getting out of their driveway and seniors losing peace of mind when out for walks.
Rendering of proposed apartments going west along Highway 55.
‘Why So Big?’
The nearly 13-acre site is currently zoned for less density under the city’s comprehensive plan. The city council would have to approve a land use change to allow the larger complex.
The developer is proposing a mixed-use designation, which would not only higher density housing, but a retail component too. Dietrich Development is currently proposing 5,000 square feet of retail on the ground level of the apartment building, which could include a coffee shop and a casual restaurant. About a dozen townhomes are also proposed to the north of the apartments. A County Road 73 study of the area called for similar mixed uses.
Twenty percent of the units would be considered affordable, available to 50 percent of the area’s median income. City planners see that as a positive to the overall project. But they also had the same question many residents were wondering: why so big?
“It feels too much,” said Marc Anderson, Plymouth Planning Commission member.
Dietrich Development said the site is difficult to develop, noting other projects that have fallen through over the years. The challenges include soil contamination, possibly asbestos, and multiple wetlands on the site. Cody Dietrich mentioned the wetlands would not be impacted by construction.
But due to the challenges, Dietrich Development says the project would require tax-increment-financing from the city to make it financially feasible.
If the project does proceed, city planners say the development could be part of a transit hub with a regional trail connection from 10th Avenue through a future crossing under Highway 55. The city has also received $15 million in federal funding for bus rapid transit along 55.
Dietrich mentioned the need for apartments in the city, sharing how the site is within 15 minutes of eight Fortune 500 companies, plus Cargill, the largest private company in the country.
“There’s still a strong demand for apartments in this market, it’s been quite underserved for a while,” he said.
Also See: Proposed Plymouth Apartment Complex Aims to Address Affordable Housing Need
