Coon Rapids Residential Growth Continues as City Extends Approval for 35-Unit Development

Coon Rapids Residential Growth Continues as City Extends Approval for 35-Unit Development

Tronson Reserve project reflects a smart growth vision in MDR zone.

COON RAPIDS, Minn. — August 8, 2025
The Coon Rapids City Council has officially approved a one-year site plan extension for Tronson Reserve, a proposed 35-unit townhouse development located at 1354 121st Avenue NW. The decision, made during a recent council meeting, affirms the city’s continued support for responsible housing growth in line with its 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

Originally approved by the Planning Commission in August 2024, the project faced standard timing constraints under city ordinance, which stipulates a one-year expiration on site plans unless renewed. The extension gives developer Mary Tjosvold, of Son Architecture LLC, the necessary runway to finalize pre-construction logistics and permitting.

Project Overview

Tronson Reserve is designed as a market-rate rental townhouse community nestled within a Moderate-Density Residential (MDR) zoning district. The site plan includes:

• 35 two-story rental townhomes with individual balconies,
• A shared play area for families,
• Preservation of adjacent wetlands and open space buffers,
• Over 2.25 parking spaces per unit, accommodating both residents and guests.

City planning staff noted that the project aligns with land-use goals and would help diversify the city's housing stock amid steady population growth.

Community Context and Feedback

While no formal opposition was recorded during Planning Commission or Council discussions, the project reflects broader themes often voiced by residents regarding:

• Traffic and congestion, particularly along 121st Avenue NW,
• Environmental preservation, especially the integrity of nearby wetland buffers,
• Neighborhood character and density, with some concern that new developments may alter the suburban fabric of existing communities.

At this stage, city records show no public hearings or formal neighborhood petitions contesting the project.

Financial Structure and Investment

No public subsidies or tax increment financing (TIF) tools have been associated with Tronson Reserve. All indications suggest that the project is privately financed by the developer, consistent with typical mid-sized multifamily housing developments.

The City of Coon Rapids, however, remains active in public financing for civic infrastructure. In 2024, the city issued $8.485 million in General Obligation Bonds for improvements unrelated to the townhouse project, underscoring a clear delineation between public capital projects and private residential ventures.

Project Timeline and Next Steps

With the extension secured, the developer is expected to advance toward construction in the coming months. Barring unforeseen delays, construction could begin as early as Q1 of 2026, with units potentially available by late 2026 or early 2027.

Looking Ahead

The extension of Tronson Reserve reflects Coon Rapids' continued effort to balance smart growth with community character. As housing affordability and demand remain key regional issues, projects like this one aim to provide middle-market rental options without compromising design or environmental standards.

MinneapoliMedia will continue to monitor and report on the development’s progress, as well as any emerging feedback from residents, city officials, or stakeholders.

MinneapoliMedia