What will happen

When Ramsey County entered an agreement with Ryan Companies U.S. Inc. for $12.7 million, the county and the city of Arden Hills agreed that Ryan Companies would act as the primary development partner of the area.  Ryan Companies and the developers of the rest of Rice Creek Commons, Alatus LLC, are working with the Joint Development Authority (JDA) board, which consists of elected officials from Ramsey County and the City of Arden Hills, to meet shared goals. “They are the same development, just simply from different developers,” said Arden Hills Councilmember Tena Monson. Both developers will follow a common thread that includes energy, jobs and affordable housing goals.

Outlot A, in a prime spot with access to highways and metropolitan areas, has garnered significant interest from potential developers. The Joint Development Authority (JDA) board, which consists of elected officials from Ramsey County and the City of Arden Hills, issued a request for development interest for Outlot A. Six companies created proposals for the area, which included plans for commercial use, such as medical offices, financial institutions, hotels, and a research facility, and plans for a corporate center. “We’ve consistently heard from the Arden Hills community about the importance of creating stable, well-paying job opportunities at Rice Creek Commons,” said JDA Chair Jon Wicklund in a press release. “Ryan Companies’ plan is expected to bring hundreds of quality jobs to the north metro and will set the tone for a vibrant, thriving development.”

Eight days prior to the purchase of Outlot A, the Arden Hills City Council voted to amend the TCAAP Redevelopment Code and Arden Hills 2040 Comprehensive Plan from 1,460 to 1,960 housing units. The developers have committed to a minimum of 20% affordable or not market-price housing. “Our main goals are to ensure that we have lifecycle housing as well as a variety of price points,” said Monson. Lifecycle housing is tailored towards all age groups, from young professionals to retirees, and will include single-family homes, townhomes, condos and apartments. However, the plan still needs to undergo Metropolitan Council approval before the change is final.

Despite bordering multiple highways, the city plans to build a nature center that includes cross-country skiing, kayak rentals and integration with existing areas. “The county has a really great vision for that area to extend [The Rice Creek North Regional Trail Corridor] from the north,” said Monson. “We want to make sure people who go to visit can also get there on foot or bike really easily.” They plan to begin construction on the nature center once Rice Creek Commons is completed. 

Monson is confident that development of Outlot A by Ryan Companies will present new opportunities for Arden Hills and the area surrounding the city.