7235 France Avenue, Macy’s Furniture Store Site

Hello my name is Robert Marquard. I'm in my wife's name is Elma Marquard. We're calling in regards to the Macy's development proposal. We live at 1113 Coventry Place in Edina, Minnesota. We have been residents in Edina since 1989 when we first moved to the 50th and France area and raised our two sons in the Edina school system. We have lived in Coventry since 2005. We have thoroughly enjoyed being Edina residents and support all referendums to continue the excellence in education, support of the community, and our natural environment through Parks and Recreation. We believe the Macy's proposal will add car transportation density that will adversely affect the environment surrounding this area. The car traffic is extreme on France Avenue today with neighboring areas struggling to access the Centennial Park. We do not see a walk over as an appropriate solution for this residential neighborhood. The air and noise pollution are significant today with France Avenue moving towards a corner similar to 62 Crosstown. I understand this Macy’s proposal does not include that crossover, but for the project to the west it has been a consideration. We believe a Macy’s proposal would increase heights of buildings that are close in proximity to the Promenade. It will have a similar impact as the Bower has in creating an environmental wind tunnel effect. We also believe the City of Edina will be adversely impacted due to the density regarding traffic and commercial and residential buildings in the Macy’s proposal. We ask that you please consider a significant reduction in the development size, are consistent with the density of the current existing facilities. Also, please take into consideration other proposed developments surrounding the Centennial Parks area and the France Ave./Southdale area. Thank you very much for taking my feedback. Bye now. (Voicemail received 6/9/24 at 11:00AM. Transcribed by City Staff)

This is Janet Albers calling. I live at 317 Coventry Lane, Edina, MN 55435. I am very concerned about the suggested re-development of the Macy's Furniture space on France Avenue. From what I've read, they're going to way over develop that piece of property and it will detract from the beauty of the walkway behind it and certainly of Centennial Lakes. I'm also concerned that there are way too many apartments and condos being built in Edina right now. I just drove down 78th Street (towards Highway 100 from France) and I see a huge Fred apartment complex that is going in there and another one. Perhaps another one after that… I don't know. I'm afraid that there's way too many big buildings, condos, and apartments being built in Edina and I don't think our roads and ingress and egress from these developments is going to work out very well for those of us who live here. I urge you to reduce the size of that development at Macy’s. Thank you. (Voicemail received 6/7/24 at 2:55 PM. Transcribed by City Staff)

Concerned about the small setback to the promenade especially if there is a restaurant or comedy club on the promenade. I know that 71 France and the Bower are closer and Pinstripes is very close. But Pinstripes is also on Centennial Lakes Park which is much wider. Also, taking the long view, what if the east side of the promenade were redeveloped with the same setbacks? It would turn the promenade into a canyon. So, larger setbacks might be more appropriate for the long term.

Don't like the grand staircase down to France Ave. I don't think many people walking would use it. And, it sends the wrong message that it is a place for uber/lyft drivers to pick or drop-off people. WoUld rather see a tree there tat somewhat obscures France Ave.

I grew up in Edina. My family has lived here since the 1940s. We presently own a home at Coventry. The Park is the reason we bought here. Other Edina locations offer “more house for the money” but the location on the Park makes it so special. We use the Park every single day.
Both my husband & I have been involved on the development side of real estate in our careers so we recognize that the Macys site will ultimately be sold & developed & it has to make sense for the developer.
The surrounding community’s sensitivity to the Macys redevelopment project seems to revolve around the impact on the Promenade. So it would seem for the greater good, the building heights & setbacks must be adapted to this natural environment… essentially sitting within an amazing park.
We would like to see the plan as it was originally conceived with 85’ setbacks from the Promenade and it’s’ building heights re-evaluated for the effects of wind and light impacting it & all surrounding wildlife & natural vegetation. The proposed plan is an encroachment.
We ask you to pause to consider the impact YOUR decision makes on our future generations.
Thank you.

I'm Patrick Dewane, 7220 York. The park, the park, the park! This design will diminish the jewel that is Centennial Lakes and the Promenade with long shadows, intense wind, and the destruction of a perfectly beautiful garden. Why trade away Edina's brilliant planning legacy for an oversized, crowded cluster of buildings? The wind catastrophe generated by the Bower Tower stops cold the promenade's attempt to edge northward. This development, with its east-west wind canyon, threatens to do the same, creating a daily nuisance for everyone. I was at the planning commission meeting and I wondered if the zeal to push this design through is at all fueled by the two stalled developments on France Avenue, the ugly lots at the US Bank site and across the street. Please do not compound those two France-facing problems with a project that will diminish the brilliant miracle your predecessors accomplished when they turned a quarry into one of the state's most beautiful gardens. Just because the code says you can go so high, it doesn't mean it's the right answer for your constituents.

Hi, My name is Mike Johnson and I live at 7220 York Ave S.. I would like to start by asking 2 questions. 1) How will this development improve Centennial Lakes Park? 2) How will this development Improve the neighborhood for the long term residents who have lived here for 20, 30, or more years?
My answer to both questions is it won't. This development only benefits the developer.
Right now there are no building of this height so close to the Promenade between France and York and between Hazelton Road and 76th Street. This is the beautiful Centennial Lakes Park that was planed and developed as a jewel of this part of Edina. This project is way to big and close to a beautiful park. I believe this area should be treated as such, keep it bright, open, and peaceful. A project like The Coventry and Townhomes of Centennial Lakes would be much better suited at this site. PLEASE do not give TIF or variances to any to any project going in at this location, it isn't needed at such a prime location.

Macy's Furniture Store site offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to extend Centennial Lakes gracefully and beautifully — because it abuts both the Park entrance and the Promenade.

Many have voiced comments and concerns with this plan. Other concerns are also important:
• How does vacancy rate in nearby rental complexes justify need for hundreds more on this site?
• How do vacant store fronts justify need for more retail space?
• How will this development affect views, shadows and congestion for those who live close to these new buildings?
• How will schools accommodate the influx of children who will live in this complex?

Centennial Lakes Park evolved into the Crown Jewel of our parks system because site developers of a gravel pit site challenged norms and asked "What if?"
The Macy's development can be an extension of our Crown Jewel if decisionmakers more fully consider "What ifs"?
For example:
• What if the overriding goal of this project is to protect our earth for our children's children?
• What if this site includes LEED certified structures that qualify for grants to help defray costs, such as 1. conservatively sized, affordable middle class townhomes with underground EV equipped garage stalls [that eliminate need for separate structures and decrease need for street parking], geothermal heating to benefit owners and solar panels to benefit the greater area; and/or 2. an intergenerational experiential environmental center?
• What if site planners prioritize porous more than impervious surfaces? What if they respect that what is dug and placed below ground is as important as what is built on and above ground by retaining existing abutting trees and landscaping along the Promenade, creating a wide heavy tree buffer along France Avenue to reduce traffic sounds and pollution and protect pedestrians, and retaining ample green space on the north and south ends?
• What if the current redevelopment plan is applied instead to already razed land on west France?
• What if Edina High School Project Earth students' etched words in our parks are taken seriously:
"You were born here; you learned to grow and you have learned to love in this world. Now it's time to save it."
"We take and take from Mother Nature. Have you ever given back?"
• What if we value what goes into and onto the site for the sake of our children's children more than we value the dollar amount the site is currently worth?

The Greater Southdale District Project posed questions that remain relevant:
What is the legacy we wish to leave to the City of Edina?
Half a century from now, what will our children's children say about us and our broader efforts to shape the future of the GSDP?
Will they say we missed a tremendous opportunity to guide the future direction of this place?
Will they say we sacrificed the interests of our city in favor of the will of private developers?

If the Macy's Furniture site is developed patiently and wisely, it will evolve as a beautiful, graceful extension of our Crown Jewel that our children's children will cherish.

My family lives at Coventry. We utilize the Centennials Lake Park as well as the promenade daily, even in the winter. I am fully against the size and scope of the proposed project for the following reasons:
1. Too many large and tall buildings on a small piece of land.
2.The existing Macy's building is unobtrusive since most of it is under ground.
3. The existing building is set back much farther than the proposed two apartment buildings from the promenade.
4. Although the developer boosts of green space, it is a very small amount in comparison to the existing site.
5. The apartment buildings will not be set back far enough to meet current code.
6. The apartment buildings will engulf the promenade and create shade of the green space for most of the day. They'll create a wind tunnel like the current Bower building does.
7. The number of additional living units will put a strain on the both the park and the street traffic. I heard the traffic study and I wonder when was it done? France avenue is always filled with cars. That's why I walk the promenade as often as I can to run my errands, as trying to drive on France and Xerxes is very difficult. Right now, the intersection of Xerxes and 76th is dangerous. If you add another 1000 people living in close proximity and additional people who will be working there and shopping, it will be a nightmare. There is a high density of older residents in this area, and adding more traffic will be very challenging for them to navigate.
8. The scope and design doesnt fit the existing beauty and type of low height buildings that currently surround Centennial lakes and the promenade. Consider adding more townhomes or condos that are no more than 3 stories.
9. The west side of Edina is in dire need of more amenities' and restaurants. Consider putting this type of project on that side of town near Cahill where that site could use some attention.
10. How does adding more residents affect the school enrollment and classroom size? The schools are already at capacity. Have you seen the Edina high school parking lot and the chaos that ensues there each school morning?
11. Has a study been done to review the current capacity in existing apartment buildings in Edina? There have been several built recently. Is there truly a need for more? Edina has been a wonderful bedroom community which attracted families. Why is there a need to create such dense population?
I am hopeful that each council member and the mayor will thoughtfully reconsider approving a plan of this size and not destroy the Centennial lakes area the gem of the city.

Thank you.

We live at 7016 Bristol Blvd.

The current plan for the development of the Macy’s site just doesn’t make sense.
The proposal of four buildings (1 of eleven stories and 3 of seven stories) are too massive and seem incompatible sitting next to “Edina’s Crown Jewel” of a park which will negatively impact Centennial Lakes.
The tall buildings built close together will likely have a shadow and wind tunnel effect on the park, similar to a downtown.
Can’t we do better? Just think, Centennial Lakes “arose” from a gravel pit, so can’t this proposal match that or do better?
Edina seems to be speaking out of both sides of our mouth when we express the need for more green space with trees and yet we accept a development of 4 buildings on a single site with more concrete.
Let’s not let the opportunity of the need for more greenspace get lost.
We are in agreement with the negative public input on Better Together Edina Website.
Richard Stein, Marianne Rother

Unfortunately this design is just ugly! No sense of artistry at all and it will really detract from the promenade.. I saw the schematic and thought “they can’t be serious?” Cell block H came to mind . Surely that can be stepped back and scaled down. In its present form it is a hulking behemoth! Please send this appalling design back to a different drawing board. There is nothing attractive or pleasing about this design. It is a lovely area and consideration must be given to keeping it that way.

This is Sheilagh Ziegeweid at 507 Coventry Lane. I was at the meeting on Tuesday, and I was able to see the plans that have been proposed. I listened intensely. It is way too large. I cannot see how it will work. Those ugly tall condos look as if they’re going to be brown and very close to the Promenade. It's not fair to do that to Centennial Lakes and that's sort of a comedy club on a dog park... absolutely not. I'm very disappointed to see how complex this has become. I have another question… I had a gentleman out here some years ago regarding the exit of Coventry across from Parklawn. The bushes to the left (which belong to the city) need to be cut back so that cars coming from the east with a 25-mile speed limit, (but they never do that) they’re much faster than that. It’s an accident waiting to happen from people exiting out of Coventry whether you’re in a car or trying to cross to go in the park. When the man came out a few years ago, there was no follow-up. He suggested I walk east on Parklawn and cross over the crossing there and then walk back into the park. Thank you for listening. (Voicemail received 6/6/24 at 10:47 AM. Transcribed by City Staff)

Dear Edina City Council,

Last night’s council meeting was good to witness and experience. I am grateful for a wider understanding of all the complexity involved in the 7235 France Avenue renovation project.

As I require some time to let things settle and discern, I feel more prepared this morning to offer my thoughts. Hopefully, they may still be considered.

My name is Barbara Hammer and I live at 7200 York Avenue South, Unit 127.

While I understand the need to redevelop the site at 7235 France, I believe the current plan is inappropriate for several reasons.

The first is the density of the four proposed buildings on the site. The words that come to mind is 'jammed up'--way to much concrete and verticality for the relative size of the space. Aesthetically and practically, it feels unattractive and overloaded.

Second, is the way in which the Centennial Promenade is compromised. If built as designed, the experience from the Promenade walkway in this area would be claustrophobic in the shadow of those two seven story buildings. This is already a public space and shared by many people who either walk or drive to it as a destination. Attaching retail/restaurants so overtly to a treasured green space is not progress. Once again, it is surrendering natural beauty to commerce, as if that was a step up. People experiencing the Promenade are attracted primarily by the natural beauty. It is a singular jewel in this city. The Promenade can be an inviting attribute to the project area, but is not beholden to it. A much deeper buffer or set back with more trees would help immensely. This seems to be a potent form and function dilemma that too often weights the economic value over the inherent value of nature. Natural, quieter settings are rare and part of our human wellbeing and too often disregarded. Please give nature some voting rights here.

Third, is the need for additional housing. I was interested to hear of Edina’s commitment to creating housing and subscribe to that. However, it seems like one piece of land need not do all the heavy lifting on behalf of this objective. If the commitment is a genuine one, then providing a fair portion of housing through this space seems wise. As well as, allocating other sites to satisfy the remaining need.

You can’t really undo whatever gets built here, certainly, not for decades. This place to your point has a 100 year life ahead of it. Like the wisdom needed to safeguard our lakes during the early days of city development, it is likewise needed here.

Overloading a piece of land is not the answer, no matter how many art moments are included.

The Centennial Lakes area and Promenade is a grand ‘art moment’ and ‘public benefit’ to use the presenter's words. Much more compelling and healing than any human made entity. It’s just taking we humans a long time to understand that.

Please consider this as you proceed.

Thank you for your time and service.

~ Barbara Hammer

Massing: 1) This seems like a LOT of walls are going up without much consideration to view corridors or daylight. 2) there’s no relief to the height of the building from the promenade. The building should step back by the 2nd or 3rd story.
3) look at the ants… wait are those people? Oh yes… they are. This project seems to be dreadfully out of pedestrian scale

Sustainability: 1) That’s just about enough solar to power a single family house or two… way to go… I bet it could be better. 2) I hope you’re investigating geothermal and not just cheap inefficient magic packs for each unit… 3) how many parking spots per bedroom, there should be electric charging stations for at least 50% of the bedrooms with options for more in the future. How about bike rooms with proper tools for bike maintenance.

Affordable Housing:
1) What is the target price point for the market rate units?
2) At what point will this developer choose to abandon that 10% commitment and just pay in to the pool for more concentrated affordable housing to be built like another can kicked down the road?
This offer of affordable housing is frequently foregone if developers are “asked by the city for too many concessions”. It’s a bogus argument for a weak development tactic to get higher returns at the cost of everyone else. This needs to be kept in mind and a larger financial commitment needs to be made to Affordable Housing before a PUD for something of this scale is approved.

This project seems really big in scope. I question whether the infrastructure is there and if there’s enough parking if it’s a mix use space. Why aren’t more of the residential spaces condominiums? It seems that all that has been approved has been apartments lately. The building height seems high. Is there public entry access point planned to connect to the path behind the building that is on the Centennial lakes citcuit?

My name is Dina Scholl. My address is 5032 Windsor Avenue and I'm calling in regards to the redevelopment of the current Macy's home store. Everything that I saw was apartments at this time. We all know the need for affordable housing is very, very important. Have they considered any reasonably priced condos in that area? I think the importance of home ownership for generational wealth is huge and whatever the city could do to help with that, I think would be amazing. There are a lot of people that work in those areas that are not always very high paying jobs. Having some affordable condo units would make a lot of sense. Thank you. (Voicemail received 5/28/24 at 11:45 AM. Transcribed by City Staff).

Last Thursday I attended a meeting at Point of France where this project was presented and explained in great detail. This project shows great sensitivity to the overall Southdale redevelopment guidelines. The future will include greater housing density in our neighborhood, and this appears to be a smart development since it includes current and future expansions of the Promenade to include a walkway over France Ave. With restaurants and businesses, this is another step toward a more walkable community for all of us. I can visualize walking from my home on France Ave. to the YMCA on York Ave. Nice!

Eliminate the ill suited public dog park in the northeast corner of the project. Hundreds of dogs are walked on the Promenade. A dog park will detract from the very active but peaceful and lovely Edina Promenade . Instead of letting this prime space go to the dogs, create a pretty pocket park with picnic tables, mini playground, etc. for the public to enjoy.
Ann Kapaun, 71France

Hello my name is Bobby Black at 315 Coventry Lane and I am leaving a message regarding the public hearing for the Macy's Furniture Store site. I am one of many in my neighborhood that live in Centennial Lakes often referred to as Edina’s Crown Jewel and I speak on behalf of many when I say bringing 4 high rise buildings all with massive parking structured doesn't add, but detracts from the current promenade. I feel it's your duty to align these massive structures to a better suited parcel. An idea that I have would be near where the Original Pancake House restaurant and the Joanne Fabrics are. Both areas are in desperate need of redevelopment and sizable lot that could accommodate this kind of 4 building structure but the promenade is one that I think needs to be safe guarded. The Macy's property needs a strong plan and vision like the original developers did 25 years ago when they created Centennial Lakes. Please safeguard this crown jewel. I implore you to think about an alternative plan. Thank you. (Voicemail received 5/22/24 at 3:20 PM. Transcribed by City Staff)

We live at 7220 York Ave S and have several concerns with the Macy's project. 572 additional living units and 1324 parking spaces as well as significantly more retail will place a heavy burden on the sanitary and storm sewer infrastructure as well as the increased traffic on France Ave and the surrounding streets. We are concerned about the ingress and egress of both auto and foot traffic to these buildings. There will also be an additional burden on medical, police, fire/EMT and other public safety resources. We are concerned about the amount of hard/non-porous surface these buildings and their surrounding driveways and sidewalks will have and how the runoff of rain and snowmelt will be handled. Will these properties have adequate green space to support the runoff? We are concerned the large parking structures will become additional "race tracks" which are currently happening at the Pinstripes parking ramp with squealing tires throughout the night. Finally we are concerned with the construction process. Will these buildings use "green" construction practices and have a reduced carbon footprint when completed? How will the noise and vibrations from pilings being driven be mitigated for all of us who live in this area? This was a significant problem during construction of The Bauer. We are not opposed to development but want to have these concerns addressed.