While much of the MSP region has experienced a slower year than expected, there’s no slowdown on teardowns in Edina.
Demolition permits are on a record pace, about 26 percent ahead of last year, which also set a record. According to the Star Tribune, recently seven new applications came in on a single day. This surge in activity confirms a trend for Edina and also foreshadows a growing market niche for other in-fill markets like SW Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, and some neighborhoods in St. Paul.
Teardown redevelopment has been controversial at times with neighborhood resistance to the changes in the neighborhood and challenges with construction activity in denser, existing neighborhoods. However, cities like Edina have become leaders in finding an appropriate balance between regulating construction management issues and encouraging neighborhood renewal.
According to Edina City Council member Mary Brindle, “It is a problem, but a good problem. I don’t think we want to discourage renewal. It does call into question whether the new home fits the character of the neighborhood. But what is the character of a neighborhood when the needs of new families are different from the needs of the families that moved into the neighborhood 20, 30 or 40 years ago?”
