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www.RiceCreekCommons.com/MasterDeveloper 3 I n t r o d u c t ion The TCAAP Joint Development Authority (“JDA”) with its partners Ramsey County (“County”) and the City of Arden Hills (“City”) seeks a master developer of Rice Creek Commons (“RCC”), a premier, regionally significant 633 acre site in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan region currently owned by the County. The JDA was formed in 2012. It is a five-member joint powers board with representatives of both the County and City. The JDA will be the public body responsible for interacting with developers for the site and for final land use approvals and development agreements. As long as development meets the master plan and redevelopment code requirements, the planning and development agreement approvals will reside solely with the JDA. Rice Creek Commons is located in Arden Hills, Minnesota a short distance to both the downtowns of Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The site is located immediately east of Interstate 35W and north of Interstate 694 and U.S. Highway 10. Public sector partners are committed to RCC’s success and are investing in improved access, site remediation, open space, and energy resiliency. Previously known as the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant (“TCAAP”), the County purchased 629 acres in phases over the last decade from the U.S. government with the goal of revitalizing a long- dormant industrial area into a vibrant residential, commercial and retail area. TCAAP was constructed during World War II to manufacture munitions for the U.S. Army. By the spring of 2016, the site will be ready for redevelopment. The County has invested in cleaning the site to residential soil reference values. The JDA envisions RCC as a cohesive mix of residential and commercial neighborhoods surrounding a town center; a unique community where young and old can live, work and play. Two hundred and six acres (approx. 33%) of the 633 acres is designated for trails and open space (see map in appendix ___). A 50-acre natural resources corridor winds through the interior of the site providing a natural amenity and regional storm water treatment. A county “spine” road will connect County Road H and Highway 96. Additionally, 24 acres of active park space is planned internally to the site. This leaves approximately 320 acres of developable acreage with approximately 50% commercial and 50% residential. A successful development will incorporate best practices for integration of the natural environment, transportation/transit, recreation, and energy sustainability for its 3,000 new residents, 4,000 workers, and the region as a whole. The site offers an extraordinary opportunity to develop a walkable community by interconnecting local and regional trail systems.