Groundbreaking for the south portion of Phase I of the Penn-American development occurred
in June, 2011. The $45 million project will have 234 rental units in three buildings and
over 14,000 square feet of retail. The development of the site is being done by
Bloomington-based United Properties and StuartCo in cooperation with the Bloomington
Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the City of Bloomington. The project is expected to
be completed in the fall of 2012.
Residential along Penn Avenue.
View along 80-1/2 Street, looking east.
Penn-American designated Transit Improvement Area (TIA)
The Penn-American District has been designated a "Transit Improvement Area" or TIA by the
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
TIAs are specially designated tracts of land near transit stations that support bus rapid
transit, light rail transit or commuter rail and have the potential to increase ridership
and stimulate new commercial and residential development. This designation makes
Bloomington eligible to apply for future funding.
Penn-American construction photos
City staff are regularly uploading photographs to our Picasa account for the public's information and for the use of our construction partners.
The City of Bloomington is preparing a District Plan for the area along American Boulevard
predominantly between Penn Avenue and I-35W. The City has identified this area as one in which
redevelopment will occur over the next couple of decades. With major transit investments
expected to be made within the area, including I-35W Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the I-494/35W
interchange rebuild, major changes in traffic flow are expected in the area. The purpose of the
plan is to guide the future land use, transportation, urban design and redevelopment of this
important commercial center.
Study process and timeline
The Penn-American study is in draft form. The Council is expected to consider it in the fall of
2011.
What is the City trying to accomplish?
The City’s goals and guiding principles for the Penn-American area include:
Create public and private stakeholder value
Drive future value for stakeholders within a flexible master plan that provides for phased and
incremental redevelopment while respecting existing land uses.
Maintain market flexibility within a clear district vision
Create a clear district framework plan built on public realm and transportation infrastructure
design concepts that are flexible enough to adapt to cyclical market conditions and changes in
land uses and densities while compelling enough to encourage added private investment.
Promote a range of transportation options
Take advantage of the Penn -American area’s strategic metro area location at the
intersection of I-494 and I-35W and astride American Boulevard, Bloomington’s commercial
main street. As one of the transit-oriented development nodes along I-494 and I-35W, develop
the area to attract transit investments with citywide benefit. Propose ways to accommodate
trips with regional destinations as well as trips with local origins and destinations. Improve
walking and bicycle opportunities within the district and connections with the surrounding
neighborhoods.
Guide public investments to encourage renewal
Keep the district attractive and vibrant by guiding the coordinated investment of public funds
in redevelopment, public spaces and infrastructure.
Create a sense of place
Establish a desirable district identity through the creation of attractive public spaces,
unified streetscapes, a mixture of active uses and high quality architecture. Upgrade and
enhance the attractiveness and use of City parks and open spaces in the area.
Ensure neighborhood compatibility
Guide new development in a manner that connects and makes appropriate transitions to the
surrounding neighborhoods and uses. Protect existing single family residential neighborhoods
around the study area and enhance their value by encouraging new services, employment and
amenities. Development plans should fit within the overall transportation, storm water,
sanitary sewer and pedestrian movement infrastructure.
Promote sustainability
Plan for redevelopment which utilizes sustainable site planning and infrastructure approaches
and sustainable building design and construction practices.
What is the vision?
Redevelopment and increased traffic need not result in bleak expanses of asphalt designed only
for cars and trucks. There are many examples where livable neighborhoods thrive near high
volume roads. The Penn-American District Plan is intended to show the way to creating a livable
urban node for Bloomington.
Imagine a combination of retail, office and residential uses along tree-shaded streets that are
attractive for outdoor dining and strolling. Imagine apartments, coffee shops, doctors’
offices and a distinctive urban park. Imagine buses coming by every 10 minutes headed north,
south, east and west. That's the potential of the Penn-American area.
Click on this YouTube video for a look at the future.
Penn-American video: A look at the future
Share your thoughts and ideas
The City is interested in your ideas for the Penn-American area. Please share your thoughts
with the planning team. Please reference "Penn-American" in any correspondence.
Leasing information – housing and retail
For more information on apartment and townhouse rentals, contact:
