Planning Commission Meeting Date: May 21, 2026
To: Members of the Planning Commission
From: Mikayla Schmidt, City Planner
Title
Archer Project Updates Presentation.
Body
Action Requested:
No action is requested. Staff will update the Planning Commission on the Archer Project redevelopment process and applications.
Summary Report:
Rebound Real Estate continues to move forward with the Archer project. The Archer House was severely damaged from a fire at the end of 2020. An initial project was proposed but ended up not moving forward.
Now, the development team has come forward with a new project scope and building design proposal. The applications as part of this project include a site plan review, certificate of appropriateness (COA), variance to height, a conditional use permit for parking, a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement and a development agreement.
The first approval needed is the COA, which then provides support for the exterior design of the building, so the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) can consider the height variance, and the Planning Commission (PC) can consider the conditional use permit for parking.
City Plans & Policies Relevance:
Northfield 2045, the city’s comprehensive plan, supports the redevelopment of the site as it supports the economy and the environment by building on an infill site. An existing TIF district is available so a TIF agreement can be executed which then triggers additional sustainable building requirements. This redevelopment supports equity by adding ADA accessible public restrooms in the building. There will also be opportunities to improve the riverside of the parcel.
Alternative Options:
NA
Financial Impacts:
NA
Tentative Timelines:
June 3, 2026: HPC reviews the COA
June 18, 2026: ZBA reviews the height variance, and PC reviews a CUP for parking
July 7, 2026: City Council makes decision on the CUP