The second phase of a redevelopment study of the Four Seasons Mall site, located on the southwest quadrant of County Road 9 and Highway 169, will be presented to the public on Thurs., Sept. 22 at the Plymouth Creek Center, 14800 34th Ave. N.
 
The open house will run from 6 to 9 p.m., offering attendees a chance to hear a presentation as well as informally talk with city staff and consultants. The presentation will be made at 6 p.m. and repeated at 7:45 p.m.
 
Phase two of the study focuses on developing guiding principles for redevelopment of the mall site. The guiding principles address issues such as landscaping, lighting, architectural standards, building materials, access, storm water management, open space and traffic.
 
In addition to presenting the draft guiding principles, the city’s consultant will also show concept plans that demonstrate how the principles might help shape future redevelopment of the site, according to Community Development Director Steve Juetten.
 
The concept plans are based on a market study for the site that was completed earlier this year as well as feedback received at public meetings. “The concept plans are merely an attempt to demonstrate how the guiding principles might help shape future development,” Juetten said.
 
“The concepts will illustrate how the principles might be used to incorporate amenities and environmental improvements in future redevelopment proposals, and the impact the concept proposals would have on traffic and water quality,” added Juetten.
 
The overall intent of the redevelopment study is to look at how the site -- currently home to a 1978 vintage mall that is largely vacant -- might redevelop in coming years. Juetten says the study is affording time for thoughtful analysis of how the gateway site to the community might be redeveloped.
 
Juetten emphasizes that the study will help the city determine how it might balance successful redevelopment of the site with meeting local needs, addressing water quality issues, incorporating amenities and fitting with the neighborhood.

More than 150 people attended a May open house to hear about phase one of the redevelopment study, which included the findings of a market study. The market study looked at current demographic and economic trends, the site’s strengths and weaknesses and other area development. The study also considered potential uses for the site, including senior housing, general office, medical office, community (larger) retail and neighborhood (smaller) retail.

To allow time to conduct the planning study, the Plymouth City Council passed an interim ordinance on Dec. 14, 2010. It prohibits redevelopment of the Four Seasons Mall site for one year from that date.
 
The City of Plymouth is working with the Bassett Creek Watershed and Hennepin County to conduct the planning study. The Metropolitan Council, a regional planning agency, provided $100,000 in funding for the study. Hennepin County contributed $18,500.
 
The draft guiding principles, concept plans and market study are available for review on the city website. You can also sign up to receive email notifications when new information about the study is posted on the city website. For more information, visit plymouthmn.gov/four-seasons.