City Tour Handout 2015
2015
September 29, 2015
City of New Hope Bus Tour
1
Xylon Ave Streetscape | Xylon Ave N – 45th Ave N
In coordination with the Hy-Vee redevelopment project, the city has made substantial
improvements to the main roads, sidewalks, and trails that serve the site. This includes
Xylon Ave N, which runs north and south along the west side of the site and 45th Ave
N. City staff is hopeful that Xylon Ave N will set the standard for street design within
the City Center as the city intends to continue the same improvements through multiple
redevelopment phases. The vision for Xylon Ave N is to create the “focal entrance point
into City Center.” Public improvements and streetscaping enhancements include an
entrance plaza, a covered bus stop, a convertible street space, buried utilities, and new
streets, sidewalks, trails, lighting, fencing, signage, and landscaping.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
2
Hy-Vee Grocery | 8200 42nd Ave N
Hy-Vee opened in New Hope on
September 22, 2015. The 90,000-square
foot grocery store features a full service
restaurant (Hy-Vee Market Grille),
a pharmacy, a liquor store, a North
Memorial express clinic, a Starbucks,
and a US Postal Service sub-station.
Other features include a large deli,
specialty cheeses, a bakery with artisan
breads, a cooking demonstration area,
and an 11,000-square foot organic
foods section. Hy-Vee is an employee-
owned grocery stored based out of Iowa that operates 230 stores in eight Midwestern
states. Hy-Vee anticipates that the store will generate 400-500 new jobs in New Hope
and the surrounding areas.
The city purchased and demolished the K-Mart that previously occupied the site in
2012, clearing the way for redevelopment. In January of 2014, three concepts for
redevelopment were presented, with the City Council favoring the Hy-Vee proposal
from Anderson Companies.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
3
Hy-Vee Gas & Convenience Store | 8300 42nd Ave N
Hy-Vee Gas and the accompanying convenience store opened on August 25, 2015.
In addition to the standard selection of convenience store products, Hy-Vee Gas offers
private-label Hy-Vee grocery items, including prepared foods. The gas station offers
24-hour fuelling and features the Hy-Vee Fuel Saver + Perks program, which allows
shoppers to earn discounts on gas when purchasing designated products. Hy-Vee’s
Fuel Saver + Perks card is also accepted at Shell Stations, Casey’s, and PDQ.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
4
North Memorial | 8100 42nd Ave N
North Memorial broke ground on a new 14,740-square foot primary care medical clinic
in August 2015. The state-of-the-art clinic will provide preventative services, acute care,
chronic disability management, and specialty services, including rheumatology,
dermatology, and podiatry. The clinic is moving its staff from an existing location in
Plymouth and is slated to open in February 2016.
The clinic is being developed in partnership with The Davis Group and will focus on
creating the best possible experience for patients. This includes include rapid check-in
capabilities and the latest technology to guide patients through their visit.
The building satisfies “Phase 2” requirements for development of the land, as outlined
by a Development Agreement between Hy-Vee and the city of New Hope. Hy-Vee is
currently in negotiations to sell the land to the New Hope Mall in exchange for an
easement that would provide an additional entry point into the grocery store from 42nd
Avenue.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
5
West Metro Fire | 4251 Xylon Ave N
The West Metro Fire apparatus drive was replaced in coordination with the Xylon
Avenue streetscape improvements with funds identified in the Capital Improvement
Program (CIP) funded by the city. The front and rear West Metro Fire parking lots were
replaced in 2014 as part of the CIP as well. New garage doors will be installed soon,
paid for out of the West Metro Fire CIP, which will add to the overall streetscape
improvements.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
6
Village on Quebec | 7500 42nd Ave N
The Village on Quebec mixed-use development was constructed in 2006. It includes a
single-story commercial building to the west and two-story commercial and office
building to the east.
There are currently three businesses operating at 7530 42nd Ave N (west building):
Farrell's Extreme Bodyshaping
Mountain Mudd
Quebec Liquor
Sarpino’s Pizzeria
Two new businesses opened near the end of 2014 at 7500 42nd Ave N (east building):
Avada Audiology & Hearing
Gentle Dentistry
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
7
Streetlight Banners | 42nd Ave N
The city partnered with a graphic design class at Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn
Park, to produce streetlight banners for 42nd Ave N. Students from the class created
about a dozen concepts with the goal of producing a banner that used bright colors and
was representative of New Hope. A design that built off of New Hope’s tagline, “A Great
Place to Grow” was ultimately selected, highlighting many of the city’s great attributes,
such as its schools, housing, park system, retail, and places of employment. The designs
will also be used for some of the streetlights along Xylon Ave N near City Hall, upon
completion of the streetscape improvements.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
8
Scattered Site Housing | 4415 Nevada Ave N
The city acquired the distressed property at 4415 Nevada Ave N in July 2015 as a part of
a renewed commitment to the scattered site housing program. The city plans to
demolish the home and garage in the near future with the intention of splitting the
oversized lot and selling the lots to a developer to build two new single-family homes.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
9
Fred Sims Park | 4424 Nevada Ave N
In 2009, the city purchased the property
at 4424 Nevada Ave N. The house was
demolished and discussions began
regarding the future use of the property -
whether to be redeveloped or re-zoned
as park land. At the February 9, 2015 City
Council meeting, the property was re-
zoned as park land and became part of
Fred Sims Park. The CAC Chair, Rick
Riley worked with Hennepin Technical College Instructor, Jay Siedschlaw and arranged
for his students to work on developing plans for the space. The class was given some
basic guidelines that included items that were important to the neighborhood and other
items that were essential for staff. In March 2015, commissioners and staff were invited
to Hennepin Technical College for the students’ presentations of their designs, which
reflected a great deal of creativity and enthusiasm for the project. A preferred design
was identified and after some minor adjustments, a final design was approved by the
Council on September 14, 2015. Work started on September 17, 2015 and should be
completed by mid-October. The expected cost for the project is $10,000.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
10
Winnetka Quiet Zone | 49th Ave N & Winnetka Ave N
In August 2015, the city began making the necessary infrastructure improvements to the
railroad crossing at Winnetka Ave N and 49th Ave N in order to meet “quiet zone”
railroad requirements. The railroad had previously completed electrical upgrades at the
intersection. The city, on behalf of Hennepin County, contracted for construction of
required curb, signage, street markings, and pavement, to meet the quiet zone
standards, as required by the railroad. Hennepin County is contributing $140,000 to
fund the project.
The quiet zone project was initiated by resident requests to find a way to prevent trains
from blowing their horns prior to crossing Boone Ave N and Winnetka Ave N.
Completion of the Winnetka Ave N quiet zone will deter the majority of train horns
along the 49th Ave N railroad corridor in New Hope. Following the necessary
inspections, it is anticipated that the quiet zone will be activated this fall.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
11
Winnetka Ave Overlay | 42nd Ave N to Bass Lake Rd
Hennepin County will be completing an overlay of Winnetka Ave N from 42nd Ave N
to Bass Lake Rd in fall of 2015. The two-inch overlay will go up to the curbs, leaving no
concrete visible throughout the stretch of road. Improvements will not be made to the
curbs or sidewalks along Winnetka Ave N at this time.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
12
Scattered Site Housing | 5431 Virginia Ave N
The city acquired the foreclosed property at 5431 Virginia Ave N in December 2014 as a
part of the scattered site housing program. Demolition of the home and garage took
place in May 2015, and the land was sold for $55,000 to custom home builder Novak-
Fleck shortly thereafter. Construction is now underway on a 2,400 square foot home
(1,300 square feet finished) with a three-car garage that will be priced between $230,000
and $250,000.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
Before
Progress
13
Parkview | 55th Ave N & Winnetka Ave N
Parkview is a 60-unit housing development to be constructed at 55th Ave N and
Winnetka Ave N by Centra Homes. The residential development will be association-
maintained and consist of 29 traditional single-family homes and 31 detached
townhomes. The two-story single-family homes will range from 2,585 to 3,990 square
feet with variety of models and floor plans. Each model includes a two-car garage with
a number of models offering an option for a three-car garage. The detached townhomes
will range from 1,974 to 2,128 square feet. The city of New Hope purchased the 17-acre
site in 2013 with a goal of diversifying available housing stock in the city. Building
permits for two model homes were submitted to the city in September 2015.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
14
Water Main | 55th Ave N
The new water main at 55th Ave N will provide fire protection and water supply for the
new Parkview housing development by Centra Homes. The new water main will also
benefit existing homes along 55th Ave N as the system will provide proper water flow
throughout the neighborhood with valves at each intersection.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
15
Compass Pointe | 6113 West Broadway
Compass Pointe is a four-story, 68-unit multi-family residential apartment building at
the southwest corner of 62nd Ave N and West Broadway. Residents began moving into
the building in August 2015. The $13 million facility is geared towards families, with
incomes at or below 60% of the area median income. It is comprised of 1, 2, and 3
bedroom units renting for $733, $880, and $1,017 per month. The city of New Hope
purchased and demolished three four-plexes on the site in 1998. The Swift gas station at
6113 West Broadway was acquired in 2012, ultimately leading to the construction of
Compass Pointe.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
16
Scattered Site Housing | 9121 62nd Ave N
The city acquired the property at 9121 - 62nd Ave N in May 2015 as a part of the
scattered site housing program. Demolition of the home and garage took place in
September 2015. The city intends to split the double-sized lot and sell the lots to a
developer to build two new single-family homes.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
Before
Progress
17
Sealcoat & Fog-sealed Streets | 60th Ave N
Seal coating with the addition of fog seal is a one of the newly implemented pavement
management strategies that the city began using in 2014. The city previously used other
methods, which inadvertently resulted in the release of rock. The sealcoat and fog seal
method, however, eliminates the release of the rock and is long-lasting. It was used in
2015 in the neighborhoods at 60th Ave N and 61st Ave N.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
18
Meadow Lake Park | 8400 Meadow Lake Rd E
The playground improvement project at Meadow Lake Park started mid -August 2015.
The previous equipment had been the oldest in the park system; last replaced in 1992.
The project includes new equipment, wood fiber surfacing, replacement of benches and
concrete pads, and removal of a trail off-shoot. The majority of the project was
completed this fall, with minor turf repair and tree planting taking place in the spring.
A ribbon cutting for the neighborhood will be scheduled for Spring 2016. Funding for
this project is available in the Park Infrastructure Fund with an expected total cost of
$130,800.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
Before
After
19
Alatus Housing Proposal | 8400 Bass Lake Rd
The city has entered into a pre-development agreement with Alatus for the
redevelopment of 8400 Bass Lake Rd as a luxury apartment complex. The agreement
allows for Alatus to work with the city exclusively for six months in an effort to
establish a purchase and development agreement.
Alatus is in the process of finalizing a preferred design for the site. The proposed
concept is for a 4-story building with 180 apartment units. Proposed amenities include
an outdoor pool, exercise facility, community room, office, sky lounge overlooking the
adjacent golf course, and outdoor fire pit.
The city acquired five distressed multifamily apartment buildings, known as Bass Lake
Road Apartments in 2008, with the intent of redeveloping the site. The city entertained
various proposals in 2005, but the proposed development fell through during the
collapse of the housing market in 2008. The city began actively marketing the site again
in 2015.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
20
New Hope Golf Course Sign | 8130 Bass Lake Rd
The idea of an electronic reader board started in 2013 when the sign at the ice arena was
replaced. The previous golf course sign was outdated, discolored, and had damaged
strips which limited messages to only one side.
The Council was originally supportive of using Temporary Financing Funds, as the sign
would function as a city sign; however the New Hope Lions stepped forward and
pledged $48,000 to be donated over the next couple of years. They donated the first
$36,000 in February 2015. The sign is used to advertise golf course events, recreation
programs, and other city activities. Cost of the sign was $50,842.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
21
Victory Park Generator | 5550 International Pkwy
The new Victory Park lift station generator provides sanitary sewer coverage for the
northwest portion of the city in the event of a power outage. Prior to 2014 the city did
not have stationary backup generators, which is the standard for the larger lift stations
in most cities. In 2014, a generator was installed at the 60th Ave N and Quebec Ave N
lift station. There are two additional backup generators scheduled to be installed at lift
stations in 2017 and 2018.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
22
Victory Park | 5550 International Pkwy
Victory Park was built in 1991 in a wetland area as a second lighted athletic field
complex for city use. Over the years, a swale developed in center field and the right
field started to sink slightly. In 2007, minimal work was done to correct the problem of a
swale. Since 2007, the area continued to sink, resulting in the need for further
improvements.
The project includes raising the elevation of the right field, improving the drainage, new
fencing, and replacement of the trail. For safety purposes, restoration of the entire
outfield will be done with grading work, topsoil, sod and irrigation reconfiguration or
replacement. Funding for this project was available in the Park Infrastructure Fund with
an expected cost of $314,000.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
23
Crack Repaired Streets | International Pkwy & Research Center Rd
International Pkwy is an example of a street that has been crack repaired. A DOT
specified rubberized filler is used to fill the crack and protect the roadway from
moisture intrusion. Crack sealing increases the durability of the road and ultimately
makes it last longer.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
24
Public Works | 5500 International Pkwy
Improvements to the Public Works building include tuck-pointing joints, repairing
block, and the cleaning and painting of the building exterior. Interior improvements
include the replacement of windows, locker room improvements by staff, new
lunchroom and conference room chairs as well new carpeting in the administrative
area. There have also been security improvements on all doorways and public area
screening to protect staff.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
25
Industrial Equities | 9449 Science Center Dr
A 48,000- square foot speculative industrial building at 9449 Science Center Dr. was
approved in July 2015. The site will be developed by Industrial Equities and replace a
currently vacant and distressed industrial building. The new building will mimic a
building previously constructed by the developer, as shown above. The high quality,
single story, multi-tenant building will provide flexible space to meet the needs of many
potential tenants. The developer is currently coordinating with the city on potential
financial assistance for hazardous material abatement and demolition costs. The
developer intends to begin demolition in fall 2015 and complete construction in spring
2016.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
26
Little Acre Park | 4999 Yukon Ave N
The playground improvement project at Little Acre started in August 2015. The
previous equipment had last been replaced in 1991. The project included some water
pipe upgrades, new container curbing, drain tile, equipment, wood fiber surfacing,
concrete work around the shelter building, and path work. The majority of the project
was completed last fall, with a few small items taken care of this spring/summer . A
ribbon cutting was held in May 2015. Funding for this project was available in the Park
Infrastructure and Water Funds. In addition to the playground improvements, staff
worked to reshape and re-grade the existing ball field area and the basketball court was
crack-filled and painted.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
Before
After
27
Street Reconstruction | 50th Ave N & Boone Ave N
A total street reconstruction took place from 50th Ave N from Boone Ave N to
Winnetka Ave N in 2015. Infrastructure improvements included construction of a water
main with the new city standard of C-900 plastic, which is flexible and does not corrode,
virtually eliminating the possibility of a water break. The sanitary sewer was also spot
repaired and will be lined as a part of the project. Storm sewer improvements were
made with a drain tile system integrated into the road bed. Road sub grade and surfaces
are built to minimum a of 9-ton standard.
The city is using a new turf replacement method, which involves blow mulch, an
organic base material and wood fiber mixed with seed throughout. A 2-inch layer is
then sprayed on top of prepared black dirt. The grass grows strong by establishing
strong integrated roots throughout the 2-inch mat.
The city also has a new practice in regards to tree replacement along the boulevards.
When trees are removed due to street construction projects, the City Forester contacts
impacted homeowners, offering a replacement tree at no cost. The homeowner is
allowed to select from a list of ten trees species. The replacement tree is approximately
2.5 inches wide and depending on the type of species, ranges from 6 to 12 feet in height.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
28
Mill/Inlay Project | 49th Ave N & Winnetka Ave N
A feasibility study is being carried out in anticipation of a total street reconstruction of
49th Ave N from Boone Ave N to Winnetka Ave N in 2016. The street will follow the
city’s Complete Streets model, designed to enable safe access for all users, including
pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.
Improvements will include replacement of the water main, repairs to the storm sewer
and sanitary sewer infrastructure system in specific areas, new curbing, sidewalks, and
bituminous pavement, parking, and bike lanes.
As part of the project, a pavement mill and inlay improvement will also occur along
49th Ave N from Winnetka Ave N to Quebec Ave N and Quebec Ave N south of 49th
Ave N. The city can receive up to $2 million in state aid road funds as it is considered a
state aid route.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
29
Street Reconstruction | Flag Ave N & 49th Ave N
A total street reconstruction is in progress at Flag Ave N from 46th Ave N to 49th Ave
N. Infrastructure improvements included construction of a water main with the new
city standard of C-900 plastic, which is flexible and does not corrode, virtually
eliminating the possibility of a water break. The sanitary sewer was also spot repaired
and will be lined as a part of the project. Storm sewer improvements were made with a
drain tile system integrated into the road bed. Road sub grade and surfaces are built to
minimum a of 9-ton standard.
The city is using a new turf replacement method, which involves blow mulch, an
organic base material and wood fiber mixed with seed throughout. A 2-inch layer is
then sprayed on top of prepared black dirt. The grass grows strong by establishing
strong integrated roots throughout the 2-inch mat.
The city also has a new practice in regards to tree replacement along the boulevards.
When trees are removed due to street construction projects, the City Forester contacts
impacted homeowners, offering a replacement tree at no cost. The homeowner is
allowed to select from a list of ten trees species. The replacement tree is approximately
2.5 inches wide and depending on the type of species, ranges from 6 to 12 feet in height.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
30
Well House & JWC Water Main | 4648 Aquila Ave N
The north water tower well house was built in 1958 and was deactivated when the city
joined the Joint Water Commission in 1961. Now 53 years later, the well has been
reconditioned, restored, and activated with state-of-the-art motor, pump, and control
assemblies. This is the sister well in the Joint Water Commission system, along with 2
new wells in Crystal. A future well is still planned in Golden Valley sometime in the
future. The wells provide backup water sources for the cities of Golden Valley, Crystal,
and New Hope.
The lining of the 36” Joint Water Commission supply line was completed this summer.
Pressure testing and disinfection is currently underway. The water main lining and
replacement now begins at the Minneapolis Water Works water main on Victory
Memorial Drive west on County Road 9 through Robbinsdale and Crystal to the 19-
million gallon reservoir operated by the Joint Water Commission.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
31
Northwood Lake Stormwater & Sump | 8816 Northwood Pkwy
As part of the city’s surface storm water management plan, the city is implementing a
project to improve the storm water quality in the Bassett Creek Watershed, particularly
around Northwood Lake. The storm water improvements include an underground
storage tank to re-use storm water for irrigation purposes on the Northwood Park ball
fields, as well as rain gardens on the north border of the park and a storm water pond at
Jordan Ave N. Three storm water sumps were installed in August this year on the
southeast side of the lake.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
32
Northwood Park | 8816 Northwood Pkwy
The playground at Northwood Park is scheduled to be replaced in 2016 and planning
has already started due to the added coordination needed with the Northwood Storm
Water Project and the desire to receive bids earlier in the year. The playground
equipment at Northwood Park was last replaced in 1995. It is not the oldest playground
in the New Hope Parks system, but it is one of the most heavily used. A mailing was
sent to almost 200 area residents to alert them to the upcoming project and to gather
some initial information on what they would like to see done at their park.
Staff and the City Engineer will work with a representative from Flagship
Recreation/Landscape Structures to develop three basic plans that will work well in the
designated area of the park, incorporate wishes of the neighbors and stay within the
budget. These plans will then be presented to residents who expressed interest in
assisting with the selection of the playground equipment. The first meeting will be held
the beginning of October. The project is expected to start next spring. A total of $275,000
is budgeted for the playground container, equipment and additional trail work.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour
33
Gates of New Hope | 9390 27th Ave N
Residents began moving into the Gates of New Hope apartment complex in August
2015. The four-story, 32-unit building is located at the northeast corner of Medicine
Lake Rd and Hillsboro Ave N. It includes 15 one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units,
3 three-bedroom units, and a 34-stall garage on a 1.6 acre lot. There are three storm
water ponds to handle runoff from the site.
City of New Hope 2015 Bus Tour