Columbia Heights Opens Public Comment on Major Apartment Development at Former Medtronic Site

Columbia Heights Opens Public Comment on Major Apartment Development at Former Medtronic Site

Columbia Heights, MN – June 13, 2025 — The City of Columbia Heights is inviting public input on a major mixed-use redevelopment proposal at the former Medtronic campus, located at 800 53rd Avenue NE. The city has released an Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) for the proposed project, and the public comment period is now open through Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.

A Landmark Redevelopment for Columbia Heights

The proposed project—spearheaded by Lincoln Avenue Communities, a national affordable housing developer—would transform the 12.5-acre former Medtronic site into a vibrant residential and commercial hub. The plan includes:

• 443 apartment units across multiple multifamily buildings
• 58 townhomes
• 12,000 square feet of commercial and retail space

Phase one of the development features a six-story, 134-unit affordable apartment building, with additional phases adding market-rate apartments and townhomes. Underground and surface parking will be included throughout the site.

Community Feedback Opportunities

A virtual public meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 1, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Residents are encouraged to attend and voice their feedback. Comments may also be submitted by email to the city’s Community Development Department at commdev@columbiaheightsmn.gov.

Those interested can also view hard copies of the project documents at City Hall, located at 3989 Central Avenue NE.

Environmental and Infrastructure Considerations

The EAW outlines several key considerations, including:

• Potential traffic increases and impacts to 53rd Avenue NE
• Stormwater management strategies for nearby Sullivan Lake
• Infrastructure capacity for water, sewer, and emergency response

The development requires a rezoning from commercial to residential Planned Unit Development (PUD). The Columbia Heights Planning Commission unanimously recommended the rezoning during its meeting on June 3, 2025.

A Vision for Inclusive Growth

Columbia Heights, one of the most densely populated suburbs in the Twin Cities metro, is taking strategic steps to meet growing housing demands. The redevelopment’s proximity to future rapid bus routes and Sullivan Lake positions it as a key element of the city’s transit-oriented development goals.

City officials say the project builds on the city’s long-term vision of inclusive, sustainable growth while providing a much-needed infusion of diverse housing options.

How to Participate

The city strongly encourages residents and stakeholders to review the EAW and submit comments by the July 10 deadline. The feedback will help determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is warranted for the project.

To learn more, view the full EAW and related materials on the City of Columbia Heights Public Hearings webpage or cont