Richfield’s ‘Downtown’ Quickly Getting a Facelift

While many city residents have recently expressed concern over the proposed , it’s easy to forget that a number of other construction projects are underway in Richfield.

Rapidly transforming the look and feel of the city’s ‘downtown’—that area of Richfield near the intersection of Lyndale Avenue and 66th Street—three major developments are rapidly transforming the look and feel of the area. The result, touted Richfield Community Development’s Karen Barton in an article published earlier this week by the Star-Tribune, will be a rejuvenated Richfield.

“We’re feeling really good about the redevelopment that’s occurring there and the regeneration of the whole area,” Barton told the newspaper. “We want vitality there, and it’s coming together nicely.”

Lyndale Plaza Apartments

Located across the street from the former Lyndale Garden Center, construction by the St. Croix Group is ongoing as Lyndale Plaza Apartments takes shape. The development will house 94 units—roughly a fifth of them reserved for affordable housing. Barring unforeseen delays, tenants could move in sometime next fall.

“They’re really what we need in Richfield in terms of updated rental units,” Barton said. “They’re incorporating a really nice transit plaza into the development as well, so they’re able to connect to bus—rapid transit—that goes right downtown."

Lyndale Garden Center Transforms Into Lyndale Gardens

Cornerstone Group is the owner and developer of the site of the former Lyndale Garden Center. Cornerstone officials expect to seek final city approval on their plans before summer. The garden center buildling, itself, will be incorporated into a space devoted to housing and retail.

The Former Kmart Site

Just south of Lyndale Plaza, the former Kmart space is being developed by Wellington Management. The company is building a 45,000-square-foot LA Fitness alongside 19,200 square feet of retail space. Wellington also expects to add a restaurant there.

Pizza Luce Comes to Town

After purchasing the building where Bridgeman’s ice cream used to sit, on 66th Street, P{izza Luce will renovate the space for an expected June opening. The new restaurant will feature an outdoor patio, full bar and seating for approximately 140.

Editor's Note: In the original article Wellington Management was spelled incorrectly. This article now reflects the correct spelling, we apologize for the error.