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<br />ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION-June 12, 2007 <br /> <br />3 <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung said that he wants to review the information and think about it some <br />more. <br /> <br />Councilmember Grant stated that he has heard RRLD characterized as "land developers" vs. <br />future builders. Mr. Collins responded that Ryan Companies is a construction development <br />company. They are not typically land developers unless they are part of a mixed-use project. He <br />stated that with regards to TCAAP, Ryan would likely build corporate office, hotel, and office <br />showroom. They would likely sell some of the property for residential. Councilmember Grant <br />recalled that Collin Barr (Ryan Companies) had previously indicated that Ryan would get another <br />residential partner. He asked what the current plan is. Mr. Collins responded that they think the <br />residential numbers they are talking about be more than one housing developer would build, plus <br />there would be some specialties for certain types of housing. To provide a wide spectrum of <br />housing, they would have to look at many residential developers. At this time they don't expect <br />to take on a residential partner. Councilmember Grant asked if you use multiple developers, <br />could you build housing faster. Mr. Collins stated not faster than the market, but that with a <br />variety of builders, you can build a variety of product at the same time. Mr. Collins noted that he <br />expects, before closing, that they may bring on a capital partner, but in order to do that, they need <br />a concept plan and financial pro forma. Councilmember Grant asked ifRRLD will sell the land <br />to Ryan or ifRRLD will be the development entity. Mr. Collins responded that Ryan will always <br />be backing RRLD. <br /> <br /> <br />Mayor Harpstead asked for discussion regarding "big box" development. He stated he has a bias <br />against big boxes. Councilmember Holmes said she has no bias against big box. <br />Councilmember Grant stated he has a little bit of bias against, and he prefers medium box <br />development, but he wants to hear proposals. He noted that he thinks of Best Buy as a medium <br />box. Mr. Collins stated that they really need a mixture. Big box brings in the traffic to support <br />the medium box. Mayor Harpstead said he could envision a Target, Best Buy, and a grocery <br />store. Ms. McJilton indicated that Roseville is over capacity, so there is interest in this market. <br />There is more demand then capacity. Demographics are a significant factor. Retailers know <br />where they want to be. Mr. Collins stated that a retailer like Target would be very concerned' <br />about County Road H and would not sign on until construction is underway to improve access to <br />the site. Councilmember Grant indicated that Target provides a wide range of products, and so <br />he thinks it makes sense. He stated that he doesn't know that he could see two big boxes. Mr. <br />Collins said that they are preliminarily considering Target and a home improvement store. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung said that he thinks we have the demographics to support interesting <br />stores. Mr. Collins noted that Edina is about the only place that can really support high, high end <br />retailers. Councilmember Homes stated that she has a prejudice against anything above retail; <br />she doesn't want to see that in the development. Mr. Collins said if anything they would want to <br />use it sparingly, since it is very difficult to lease. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung stated that there is a need to have discussions like this more often. <br />Mr. Collins indicated Ryan's interest and willingness. Councilmember Grant noted that the plan <br />will change over time. <br />