Plans Expected This Week for Lilydale Tennis Club Site

Developers of the site are expected to submit their final development plans to the city by May 13, according to a report given May 9 by planning commission chair John Maher.

Two projects are being developed in tandem for the site. Southview Senior Living is developing an assisted living facility, while John Wall of Highland Bank is putting together a luxury apartment complex under the LLC name of Lilydale Commons.

Highland Bank became the owner of the foreclosed property in December from former owner John Mathern of Mendota Homes, Inc. A Mendota Homes condo development proposal fell through in 2007.

A (TIF) district of up to $1.984 million was established for the site this winter. The city was also awarded a of $135,000 to be applied toward the TIF amount for the development of the site.

The city may continue to pursue other grant opportunities that could reduce the cost of redevelopment.

Meanwhile, the plan’s final rendition has taken longer than expected to reach this point.

While council members said the plans for the senior living building appear to be ready to roll out, the council appeared skeptical about the apartment building’s future.

It didn’t help that Wall reportedly entertained the idea of building a Bradshaw “Celebration of Life” facility on the site instead. 

“The fact that one of the principals seemed perfectly willing to dump this thing made me think that they’re not all that interested,” said council member Marilyn Lundberg.

The Bradshaw idea was quickly quashed, said Mayor Anita Pampusch, but did give her comfort that there could be other uses for the site if the apartment complex fell through.

The city will have 60 days after the final plans are submitted to take action, though some elements could take longer. The Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Department of Natural Resources will also get a chance to comment on the project.

City Administrator Teish Stafne said the plans could be before the planning commission in June, and a public hearing could be scheduled for July.