Champlin's Riverfront Renaissance: A Dream Decades in the Making Unleashed

For decades, the vision of a vibrant, accessible Mississippi Riverfront in Champlin remained a tantalizing dream, a subject of numerous plans that ultimately gathered dust. Now, that persistent aspiration is finally taking tangible form, transforming the city's underutilized waterfront into a dynamic hub of living, commerce, and recreation.

This isn't just another development; it's the culmination of years of community input, strategic planning, and a dedicated partnership that promises to redefine Champlin's identity.

The centerpiece of this ambitious redevelopment is the sprawling 26-acre site at the city's core, adjacent to the Highway 169 bridge.

What was once a collection of aging industrial lots and uninspired commercial buildings is rapidly becoming a vibrant tapestry of modern residences and enticing retail spaces. The project, spearheaded by the renowned national developer Hines, in collaboration with local partner Roers Cos., is a testament to perseverance and a commitment to unlocking the riverfront's inherent potential.

Residents can look forward to a diverse range of housing options, catering to various lifestyles.

Plans include approximately 500 new apartment units, offering contemporary living with convenient access to amenities. Complementing these are 104 townhomes, providing a blend of urban sophistication and neighborhood charm. Beyond housing, the development will introduce around 20,000 square feet of retail space, breathing new life into the local economy and offering residents and visitors convenient shopping and dining experiences.

The retail component is strategically designed to activate the street level and create a bustling, pedestrian-friendly environment.

Crucially, this project isn't solely about construction; it's about connection. A significant portion of the redevelopment is dedicated to public amenities, ensuring the Mississippi River becomes a communal asset rather than a distant backdrop.

A grand 10-acre public park is envisioned as the crown jewel, offering expansive green spaces for relaxation, recreation, and community gatherings. Enhanced pedestrian and bike trails will weave through the area, linking residents directly to the river's edge and fostering a healthier, more active lifestyle.

This emphasis on public access is a direct response to years of community feedback, prioritizing shared spaces and a renewed relationship with the natural environment.

The financial architecture supporting this transformation involves a substantial investment, with a projected public cost of approximately $17.8 million.

This funding will be strategically utilized for critical infrastructure improvements, including new roads, utilities, and the aforementioned public park, laying the groundwork for sustainable growth. A significant portion of this public contribution, about $11 million, is anticipated to be covered through Tax Increment Financing (TIF), a mechanism that captures the increased property taxes generated by the development to repay the initial public investment.

This demonstrates a thoughtful approach to funding, ensuring that the project ultimately pays for itself through its economic success.

Champlin's Mayor, Ryan Sabas, articulates the city's long-held dream: "This project has been talked about in Champlin for 30, 40 years. It’s what our residents told us they wanted in every single survey, every single workshop.

It’s what everybody wants — access to the river." His words capture the profound significance of this moment, marking the shift from aspiration to reality. The redevelopment is set to generate a substantial increase in the city's tax base, transforming a currently underperforming area into a vital economic engine.

This long-awaited riverfront renaissance is more than just buildings and parks; it's a bold step towards a brighter, more connected future for Champlin.