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Authorization to Designate Reuter Walton Development, LLC, a Minnesota Limited Liability Company, or Another Entity that is Affiliated with and Controlled by Reuter Walton Development, LLC (“Developer”), Tentative Developer of 0 Robert Street South (Fox Lot properties, between Fairfield Ave and Plato Blvd), District 3, Ward 2
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WHEREAS, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota (the “HRA”) is a public body corporate and politic established, existing, and operating under the laws of the State of Minnesota pursuant to the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Section 469.001, et seq. (the “Act”); and
WHEREAS, the HRA is empowered by law, including the Act, to adopt and enforce this Resolution in pursuit of its mandate to engage in appropriate housing, development, and redevelopment projects; to remove or prevent the spread of conditions of blight or deterioration; to bring substandard buildings and improvements into compliance with public standards; to dispose of HRA-owned land for private development; and to improve the tax base and the financial stability of the community; and
WHEREAS, the HRA is authorized to create redevelopment projects as defined in Minn. Stat. Section 469.002, Subd. 14; and
WHEREAS, HRA owns 0.97 acre of vacant land located at 0 Robert Street South (approximately 137 and 149 Robert Street S), whose PID is 05.28.22.32.0041 and 05.28.22.32.0042 (the “Property”); and
WHEREAS, as described in the staff report accompanying this Resolution, HRA staff received a request from the Developer for a Tentative Developer Status for the HRA-owned lots at 0 Robert Street South (“Development Site”); and
WHEREAS, after receiving the proposal from the Developer, an early notification was issued on December 10, 2025, and interested parties were given 45 days to submit competing proposals; and
WHEREAS, no competing proposals were received; and
WHEREAS, after reviewing the proposal from the Developer, HRA staff is recommending that the Developer be granted tentative developer status for the Development Site because the Developer’s proposal to create affordable residential housing on the Development Site (“Project”) best accomplishes the stated HRA goals and objectives for the Development Site, and the Developer has the demonstrated experience and qualifications necessary to successfully redevelop the Development Site; and
WHEREAS, this Board finds the Project serves a public purpose by 1) meeting the City’s goal of production of housing; 2) redeveloping vacant parcels of land; and 3) enhancing the tax base capacity for the City; now, therefore
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Commissioners of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, that Reuter Walton Development, LLC, a Minnesota limited liability company, or another entity that is affiliated with and controlled by Reuter Walton Developer, LLC, is designated as tentative developer for the Property (the “Tentative Developer”) for a period of 24 months, until April 15, 2028, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Resolution. Within ten (10) days of the passage of this Resolution, the Tentative Developer must execute and deliver to HRA staff the Acknowledgement of Compliance Documents (First Developer Letter), in a form acceptable to HRA staff (including a preliminary schedule), along with a non-refundable application fee of $25,000. The HRA and Tentative Developer will maintain open and regular communications to ensure significant progress is being made toward the tasks defined below.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Tentative Developer must complete or cause to complete, at its own cost, certain activities with respect to the Project. A list of benchmark activities, and the dates such activities are to be commenced or completed by the Tentative Developer include the following:
Prior to June 30, 2026, the Tentative Developer will:
• Begin Engagement of surrounding community groups and key stakeholders regarding the Project and its site plan.
• Commence and diligently pursue site survey, geotechnical study, building and structural analysis, and environmental assessment(s).
• Submit preliminary site plans and schematics for review in accordance with applicable zoning regulations and the West Side Flats Master Plan
Prior to December 31, 2026, the Tentative Developer will:
• Submit a detailed timeline and construction phasing plan for the Project, for approval by HRA staff.
• Complete schematic designs for the Project with input from affected community groups and stakeholders.
• Complete the environmental studies or pursue funding for the completion of environmental studies, as applicable.
Prior to June 30, 2027, the Tentative Developer will:
• Complete and submit applications to Ramsey County, Metropolitan Council, and DEED, as applicable
• Complete Request for General Assistance to the City of St. Paul/ Housing and Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Paul, as applicable.
Prior to December 31, 2027, the Tentative Developer will:
• Complete formal scope of work with architectural/engineering plans and specifications, incorporating Green/Sustainable Development guidelines, and including site plan, elevations, exterior treatments/materials, and interior schematics for approval by HRA staff.
• Complete site plan review process with the Department of Safety and Inspections.
• Finalize a detailed development budget and business plan for approval by HRA staff, and submit evidence of availability or construction financing for review by HRA staff for acceptability.
Prior to April 15, 2028 the Tentative Developer will:
• Obtain all property building permit approvals, licenses, and any other required City or State approvals for the Project.
• Receive all approvals for zoning for the Project.
• Negotiate final terms and conditions of a development agreement, which will include all compliance requirements, details of the bidding process, and a sworn construction cost statement from the selected contractor for the Project.
• BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the terms and conditions of a development agreement between the HRA and the Tentative Developer shall include, among other items required by HRA staff or the City Attorney’s Office, the following terms and restrictions:
1. All pre-development costs are the sole responsibility of the Tentative Developer.
2. The Tentative Developer must work with affected community groups.
3. The Property will be sold in its “as is” condition.
4. In connection with the foregoing actions, the HRA is authorized to grant the Tentative Developer access to the Property under a license agreement, approved by the City Attorney’s Office, that allows the Tentative Developer to perform its due diligence, including environmental investigation, provided that entry onto the Property shall not interfere with any HRA or City of Saint Paul operations on or around the Property.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if the Tentative Developer does not timely commence or complete the specified tasks or otherwise abide by the terms of this Resolution, its status as Tentative Developer may be terminated by the Executive Director of the HRA without further action by this Board, or, alternatively, the Executive Director may grant an extension of the Tentative Developer status for a period up to six months upon a showing of significant progress of the tasks defined above by the Tentative Developer.