A major transformation is underway in the northwest suburban community of Brooklyn Park. The Village redevelopment project continues to move forward, creating new neighborhoods and building on successful new development. Village Creek, located just north of Interstate 694 at Brooklyn Boulevard and Zane Avenue, was historically the primary commercial and residential corridor for the community. In response to changing market conditions, the City of Brooklyn Park initiated a process to transform this part of the city into a revitalized area where residents can live, work and play.

This effort is completely reconstructing an old commercial corridor and establishing a new neighborhood with easy access between housing, commercial areas and recreation opportunities. Several exciting improvements are now occurring including the restoration of Shingle Creek, construction of owneroccupied housing and commercial development and planning for a mixed-use condominium and additional commercial development. Shingle Creek at the Heart of the Village

The restoration of Shingle Creek is central to the revitalization of the Village area. “The goal of this effort is to entirely rebuild Shingle Creek as a community asset and to create a vital neighborhood around a valuable natural resource,” said Robert Schreier, director of community development for the City of Brooklyn Park.

Approximately $4 million of improvements to Shingle Creek are creating a large linear park providing an amenity to the area that connects the neighborhood with trails and pedestrian bridges. The new park includes trails, fountains, play equipment, benches, picnic tables, public gathering areas, native plantings, and other landscaping elements.

The park was designed to buffer and at the same time join residential areas to commercial and transit areas. "As envisioned, the creek is turning into the focal point of the area, with roadways and pedestrian paths leading to it. If you take a walk down by the creek today, you get a feel for how much of an asset the creek is to the neighborhood and to the larger community," says Schreier.

Village Creek Redevelopment

Significant investment has also taken place in the area surrounding Shingle Creek, including the former Village North Shopping Center area. Taking advantage of the creek enhancements, the Beard Group, in partnership with Ryland Homes, began construction in October 2005 on the Village Creek mixed-use area.

This 27-acre site is the central development of the project area and includes two 3-story condominium buildings with retail on the first level at Brooklyn Boulevard and Welcome Avenue, a 2-story building at the intersection of Brooklyn Boulevard and Zane Avenue for offices, restaurants and shops, and 157 owner-occupied townhouses flanking the banks of Shingle Creek.

The vertical mixed-use buildings will consist of 41 residential units in two buildings offering a wide variety of floor plan options. Retail space will occupy the first level of the buildings. The condos will provide a number of amenities including nine-foot ceilings, balconies, a high-tech fitness center, a game room, a club room, and underground heated parking.

Presales for the condos are currently taking place as well as leasing of the commercial space.

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