Jordan EDA Approves Facade Grants, Reviews Development Updates

By Jan Gilmer

The Jordan Economic Development Authority (EDA) met on May 5, 2025, to review and discuss facade matching grant applications, the city’s Placer.ai subscription, and staff and commissioner updates.

New Business

The EDA sponsors the Facade Matching Grant Program to promote improvements and revitalize the exteriors of downtown commercial zoning districts (C-2 and C-3). The grant program requires a 1:1 cost match for up to $20,000. It provides funding for public-facing exterior facade improvements. Each applicant may receive one matching grant per year per building.

• 415 Broadway Street South – Strains of the Earth
  The first application was for the Strains of the Earth business at 415 Broadway Street South. The applicant requested the grant to tuck-point damaged mortar joints and repair damaged stones and cement caps on the building's exterior. The EDA determined the applicant met all criteria and awarded the grant.

• 214 1st Street East – Frankie’s Wunderbar
  The second application came from Frankie’s Wunderbar at 214 1st Street East. The applicant proposed constructing an upper-level deck to provide shade and rain protection for outdoor seating. The original upper deck had been removed due to its poor condition. The new structure will also serve as an awning for the lower-level patio. The EDA found the application met grant requirements and approved the funding.

• 216 Broadway Street South (formerly 218 Broadway Street South)
  The third application was for improvements to the garage at 216 Broadway Street South (The application incorrectly listed the address as 218 Broadway Street South, previously the site of the now-demolished “Hamburger Home”). The applicant proposed enclosing the south side and opening the north side of the garage to create additional public space and provide access to the patio behind Frankie’s Wunderbar. The space will accommodate events such as birthday parties, meetings, and social gatherings while minimizing noise from the main bar. The EDA approved the application.

Old Business

At its previous meeting, the EDA discussed the impending expiration of the Placer.ai software contract. The decision was made not to renew the contract. With the current contract expiring in May, staff generated final reports for several Jordan businesses, including:

• By the Yard

• Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard

• Mousse Sparkling Wine Co.

• Ridges at Sand Creek

• Scott County Fair

While commissioners found the data interesting, they agreed it did not justify the cost and decided not to renew the service. They may revisit the option in the future when it is deemed more beneficial.

Management Report

City Administrator Tom Nikunen provided updates on various city projects:

• The Highway 169/282/9 interchange project is underway. Although construction has already started, the groundbreaking ceremony is now scheduled for May 28 at 10:00 a.m. A few traffic accidents have already occurred in the area.

• Delia’s expects to complete construction of its new location by the end of June.

• The new distillery also anticipates opening before the end of June.

• The new parking lot between the former Xcel building and the City Hall Creamery & Coffee building will be completed either before or after Heimatfest. Construction will be coordinated to avoid disrupting parking for the festival. This project is tied to improvements on 190th Street.

• More than 50 new parking spaces will be added to Holzer Field, making it the first improvement at the park to be completed.

• Sunset Drive roundabout construction will begin immediately after school lets out for summer. Utility relocation is already underway in preparation for construction.

• Minger Construction is improving Corporate Drive to create an alternate route for employees, vendors, and residents. Private utilities are currently being moved, with curb installation expected to begin within the week.

• Residential development is growing, with Beaumont Bluffs submitting plans for the development’s 5th Addition.

• Bridle Creek must either submit plans for its next phase or file for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) extension before the current approval expires on October 15, 2025. Based on conversations with the developer, staff expects to receive an extension request. The original PUD anticipated new phases every other year.

• An update was provided on potential 2025 trail improvements, with City Council expressing interest in expanding trail connections.

• City Council approved a bid from Behr Design for the design of a new façade on the old Xcel building downtown.

• The vacant EDA seat has been posted on the City of Jordan website.

• Councilmember Pho suggested hosting a booth at Heimatfest to promote community engagement.

• Councilmember Schuh inquired about the timing of the upcoming resident survey. Staff confirmed the survey is being updated for relevance and will be released before the next EDA meeting.

The next EDA meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 2, 2025, at 6:30 p.m.

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