Pillsbury Commons, Lyndale Gardens & LA Fitness: Richfield Redevelopment Year in Review

A look back at the city's redevelopment projects in 2012.

Best of 2012

Pillsbury Commons Fails, LA Fitness Opens & Lyndale Gardens Moves Ahead: Richfield Revelopment Year in Review

The major redevelopment happenings from 2012.

Richfield Patch covered a lot of different stories, topics and events throughout 2012, but there were a few that stood out as the most interesting, important or possibly infamous to our readers. As far as local redevelopment went, there was plenty that happened in the last year: The affordable housing complex, which was in the works for more than two years, was officially laid to rest in July after months of back and forth between the city and the developer, Ron Clark Construction & Design—and the city and residents. Our coverage: The first of many new businesses on the site of the former Kmart site opened its doors nearly a full month ahead of schedule on Oct. 3. LA Fitness is a full-service athletic facility and will soon be joined by …

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Best of 2012

Pillsbury Commons Trips Before the Finish Line: No. 2 Story of the Year

One of the most read and talked about topics in Richfield's recent history.

Richfield Patch covered a lot of different stories, topics and events throughout 2012, but there were a few that stood out as the most interesting, important or possibly infamous to our readers. The following is the No. 2 story of the year. *** Pillsbury Commons. While it's a project that's long over, the mere mention of it can still evoke passionate discussions, sighs and grumbles among Richfield residents. The affordable housing complex, which was in the works for more than two years, was officially laid to rest in July after months of back and forth between the city and the developer, Ron Clark Construction & Design—and the city and residents. The most outspoken residents opposed the development, citing increases in traffic, …

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Officials Question City Housing Policies

Following a recent redevelopment failure, the need for a comprehensive housing policy was recognized.

Follow Richfield Patch on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter On the heels of June's Pillsbury Commons housing development controversy, members of the Richfield City Council, along with city staff and officials from both the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) and Richfield Planning Commission met earlier this week to develop a strategic vision that will guide future residential development. While outlining strategies and future steps needed to develop such a policy, questions posed at City Hall on Monday made it clear that work remains to be done if the hoped-for Richfield housing vision is to become a reality. “This first meeting is really more about putting together the process,” said Richfield …

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After Pillsbury Commons, City Officials To Discuss Housing Policy Monday

Three Richfield commissions are getting together for a special work session at 5:45 p.m. Monday.

In the midst of the final stages of Pillsbury Commons, city officials began to question its policies on housing. And with more redevelopment projects, many with housing components, on the books, uncertainty is still lingering. In an attempt to define its housing policy, the Richfield Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA), City Council and Planning Commission will meet Monday night to discuss the issue. Planning Commissioner Tom Rublein called attention to the issue in a June 4, 2012 meeting. He said he felt the city was "guessing" when it came to considering housing options. "Where was everybody when the comp plan was put together?" Rublein asked rhetorically. "People are not paying attention to this stuff. So now we come to this […

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Ron Clark Releases Statement on Failed Pillsbury Commons Project

The developer said that while there is "no shortage of legal claims," he will not take action against the city.

The final blow to the proposed Pillsbury Commons development project came after the option agreement between the City of Richfield and developer Ron Clark expired June 30, 2012. Following the contract expiration, Clark did attempt to reinstate it, however, the city stood firm. Richfield Patch contacted the developer for comment on the failure of the project. Clark released the following statement to Patch through his attorney, Jim Susag, Thursday afternoon: Ron Clark Construction & Design (“Ron Clark”) began working with the City of Richfield and the HRA in 2009 on a potential development of the Pillsbury Avenue site (“Pillsbury Commons”).  After preliminary direction from the City Council, Ron Clark and the HRA entered into a Preliminary …

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Teen Dies, Honeywell Helps and Development On Again: Pick of Our Patches

This week's selection includes a new member of the Vikings Stadium committee, raising funds for cancer research and a runner who won't be going to the Olympics.

St. Michael Girl, 16, Collapses, Dies After Sunday Morning Run First-responders, including the Wright County Sheriff's Department, St. Michael Fire Department and Allina Ambulance, were called to a tragic scene Sunday morning along County Road 119 in St. Michael. Michaela Olson, 16, collapsed to the pavement and later died after a morning run near Gutzwiller Park.  Honeywell Sends Aid to Colorado Fire Victims In an effort to help those effected by the wildfires burning in Colorado, the Golden Valley based company is sending donations to those in need. UPDATE: Ron Clark Changes Mind On Optioned Land Yet another twist in Pillsbury Commons' epic story. Just hours after the City of Richfield confirmed the option agreement was void, the …

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Unexpected Tragedies, Fireworks and Voter ID: Feedback Friday

The most thoughtful, moving, controversial or just plain funny comments from around the west metro between June 29 and July 5.

Each week, Patch users contribute numerous insights, opinions and observations. The following is a collection of the most thoughtful, moving, controversial or just plain funny comments that appeared on Patch sites in Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Lake Minnetonka, Minnetonka,  Plymouth, Richfield, Shakopee, St. Louis Park and St. Michael. Click on the headline to read the full story and join in the conversation. (The comments below are not meant to reflect the opinions of Patch or its staff.) *** St. Michael Girl, 16, Collapses, Dies After Sunday Morning Run First-responders, including the Wright County Sheriff's Department, St. Michael Fire Department and Allina Ambulance, were called to a tragic scene Sunday morning along County Road 119…

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James Warden

6:17 pm on Friday, July 6, 2012

Kitzer has informed Patch that the comment reflected a genuine wish for greater access to creative writing classes. We regret the misinterpretation.   more ›

UPDATE: Ron Clark Changes Mind on Optioned Land

The city maintains the option is now void.

Shortly after the city confirmed that Ron Clark did not intend to exercise his option for the old city garage site, City Attorney Corrine Heine received notice that the developer had "changed his mind." The city entered into an option agreement with Ron Clark, of Ron Clark Construction & Design, just over a year ago for the former garage site on 76th Street and Pleasant Avenue. The option window lapsed Saturday. June 30. Clark could've extended the contract until October of this year had he put another $5,000 down by the expiration date. According to an e-mail from Assistant City Manager Pam Dmytrenko, Heine drafted a response to the developer's lawyer, Jim Susag, this afternoon stating that the option had expired and the city wasn't …

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