Granite Works Moves Forward
The fi rst phase of a three-part redevelopment plan for housing near downtown Delano and the Crow River is moving along well , and the second phase is in the works .
Construction on Delano ’ s newest apartment project – the Heights of Delano – is nearing completion . The 70-unit , four-story building near downtown Delano along the Crow River is expected to be fi nished sometime in June .
The site is also known as the Granite Works Redevelopment after a longtime Delano industry .
Ebert Construction of Loretto and Michael Development Corporation ( MDC ) of Lilydale are partners on the project . Work on the 108,000 squarefoot building began in the summer of 2021 .
“ Ebert has done a great job ,” Michael Swenson of MDC said . Delano is a beautiful town ,” Jake Ullery of Ebert Construction added , noting the location of the apartments near the river and close to downtown . While Ebert has built many multi-family projects , “ We haven ’ t done anything quite like this ,” he said of the unique location .
The new apartments will feature a sky lounge on the third fl oor , Ullery said , but he also noted the great views of the river that some residents will have . “ It ’ s a park-like setting ,” he said .
There are numerous amenities for the Heights of Delano apartments , both Swenson and Ullery noted . The market rate apartments include high ceilings , granite countertops , plank fl ooring , natural gas appliances and more . The complex will feature a heated garage , car wash bay , pet wash , and an exercise room . It will have a sky lounge on the third fl oor that includes a patio and indoor common space . It will offer one and two bedroom fl oor plans .
The Granite Works site is a former industrial site that was eyed for redevelopment for many years . Buildings on the former site dated back to 1917 and were constructed over several years .
The City of Delano identifi ed the 17.3 acre site as a redevelopment project in 2017 . Three apartment projects were proposed , the apartments under construction , a 55-plus ( focused ) building and a more moderate “ workforce ” complex . All told , plans call for about 200 total units between the three complexes
In 2020 , the city established a Tax Increment Finance ( TIF ) District to assist with cleanup of the site . Viet Company of Rogers demolished 17 of 18 buildings on the
The third floor of Delano ’ s new downtown apartment complex will feature a ‘ skylounge ’ patio and several other amenities .
site . In July of 2020 , the city approved a concept plan for the site .
“ We have a housing shortage downtown , and this new complex fi ts nicely , and is not too tall ,” said Delano Mayor Dale Graunke , adding that there will be a public trail that connects the downtown to more of the river . The approximately one mile trail will provide a corridor between downtown and the northwest boundaries of Delano Central Park or what is also known as Kramer Park . While people use the existing levy as a trail , it will be lengthened and enhanced .
In late 2020 , the city approved an approximately $ 4.3 million TIF district that will include demolition , soil corrections , and other public improvements like streets , trails , sidewalks and utilities for the project . Most of the work has been done on the fi rst phase of the project and will continue on with the other phases .
The next step of the project will be the construction of the 55-plus focused apartments , although they will be rented to all age groups . MDC and Ebert are also developing that complex , and a purchase agreement for the property was recently signed . Construction should begin later this year on the high amenity complex for those looking to downsize or upsize out of a more traditional living space .
The third phase of the project is another unit that would also be high amenity , but what is considered moderate or workforce housing . It will be geared toward meeting the demands of Delano ’ s growing industries and workforce .
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