Redevelopment Plans

Redevelopment of Rice Creek Commons is progressing in line with the Joint Development Authority’s (JDA) vision of creating a vibrant, inclusive and sustainable community with much-needed housing and well-paying jobs. Recent milestones include:

• In April 2025, development of a new commercial building began on phase one of Outlot A.
• Design plans are nearing completion for Rice Creek Boulevard (previously referred to as the Spine Road), the new county state aid highway that will serve as the development’s main road. Grading and site preparation for construction of the roadway and associated public utilities, trails and stormwater management may begin as early as mid-2026.  Road construction will begin once this prep work is complete and is expected to last two construction seasons.
• The JDA plans to submit Rice Creek Commons for pre-certification at the Platinum level under LEED for Communities in fall 2025.

Request for Information open through Oct. 24

Following the expiration of a previous preliminary development agreement on June 30, 2025, the JDA is beginning the process of seeking development partner(s) for the site.

The JDA has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights that will guide a future competitive solicitation for further development of the primary development area of Rice Creek Commons. The 372-acre parcel of land is zoned for a broad range of land uses including housing, retail, commercial and public green space.

The RFI is intended for purely informational purposes, and any future competitive solicitation for development will be broadly advertised and not limited to responders to the RFI. The RFI invites feedback on the opportunities and challenges of the continued development of Rice Creek Commons, key factors affecting financial success, current real estate trends, and development approach preferences. Organizations and individuals with expertise and experience in real estate development and related industries are encouraged to respond.

Interested responders can access the RFI through DemandStar, Ramsey County’s procurement platform, under ID #RFI-CED-JDA-0-2025/KB. Responses are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, and must be submitted via email to [email protected]. Staff tentatively plan to present a summary of responses to the JDA at its Nov. 3 meeting.

Planning

The Rice Creek Commons planning documents lay out a vision for the site that takes advantage of its location, builds on its assets, and introduces an exciting mix of new development. The plan includes two documents -- the TCAAP Redevelopment Code (TRC) and the TCAAP Regulating Plan. The City of Arden Hills Comprehensive Plan also includes important information related to Rice Creek Commons. These documents were created based on thorough public engagement over the course of many years. Overwhelmingly, the public emphasized the importance of creating identifiable neighborhoods, balanced green space, and walkable communities.

Rice Creek Commons will be a cohesive mix of residential and commercial neighborhoods surrounding a town center, a unique community where people can live, work and play. Taking into account land designated for trails and open space, Rice Creek Commons has approximately 320 acres of land planned for commercial and residential development.

The site will feature four new neighborhoods with a wide range of housing types, ensuring that Rice Creek Commons will be a place for people in all walks of life. The Hill, Creek, and Southwest neighborhoods will be primarily residential, offering a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and other housing options. The Town Center neighborhood will be the heart of Rice Creek Commons, offering a walkable retail center with housing, public space, and commercial uses.

The entire site will be interwoven with an internal network of parks and trails that will not only provide open space for all types of recreation, but also perform important environmental functions such as stormwater management and natural habitat restoration. The open space will connect into the larger regional system, providing future residents with access to miles of linked trails and making active living an easy choice.