Plymouth Revisits ‘Centennial Lakes’ Vision for Prudential Site

Plymouth city leaders, including three newer council members and at least one new staff member, got an informal look at the former Prudential site this week as developers continue to work on plans to redevelop the land at the corner of Bass Lake Road and I-494.

“We were surprised, I think, to find what was there,” said Grant Fernelius, Plymouth’s community and economic development director.

Fernelius joined the city staff in March.

“I think it’s kind of a hidden gem,” he said. “There are woods, ponds, wetlands, a trail network. So, it really is a site, I think, (that) has a lot of exciting development opportunities.”

The 75-acre site is mostly unoccupied. One grand vision the city has is to transform it into a mixed-use development similar to what Edina did with its Centennial Lakes development several years ago. The goal would be to offer a variety of business, retail and restaurant spaces alongside natural amenities and varied housing models.

Plymouth city leaders are pretty clear that one goal is to create a mixed-use development similar to Edina’s Cenntennial Lakes at the former Prudential site.

“Establishing the vision is critical,” said Fernelius. “The city has been working with the development team for over a year on this project. We’ve seen several different plans, concept plans.”

After Monday’s tour, the group got together at Plymouth City Hall to work on “visioning,” said Fernelius. He said discussions continue between city leaders and developers.

“We both want to see the site developed. We have a slightly different vision for what that looks like, and I think both sides recognized there was the need to sit down, and take a pause, and really revisit the original goals,” he said.

Fernelius expects site plans and the permitting process to come before city council and other commissions later this summer or in the early fall.

Plymouth | Twin Cities