Proposed, Four-Story Senior Living Facility in Eagan Takes Step Forward

A proposal for a four-story, 148-unit senior living complex is one step closer to reality at the Eagan City Council meeting on last Tuesday.

The council voted unanimously to submit a Comprehensive Land Use Plan amendment request to the Metropolitan Council on behalf of Southview Senior Communities, a Mendota Heights-based company behind the senior housing project.

Southview operates a handful of senior housing facilities scattered across northern Dakota County, and plans to develop the new project on a 10-acre site at 4232 Blackhawk Road. The proposed Blackhawk Road complex would house 32 memory care units, 48 assisted living units and 68 independent living units, according to information submitted by the developer.

The facility would also include underground parking, a dining area, fitness area, beauty shop, café and theater.

Before construction on Southview planned senior living facility can commence, however, first the Met Council and then the Eagan City Council must approve the land use amendment. A land use amendment modifies the city's Comprehensive Land Use Plan—a long-range planning tool that helps guide development in the city.

The Metropolitan Council, a regional planning group, has the authority to review and approve or deny land use change requests across a number of Twin Cities communities.

If approved, the amendment would change the designation of the 10-acre site from medium-density residential to high-density residential.