Groundbreaking developments are underway at Rice Creek Commons, with construction finally starting on the site's first building. The historical 427-acre expanse in Arden Hills is set to become a climate-forward, equitable community, showcasing a mix of homes, businesses, and retail spaces. Ramsey County, together with the city of Arden Hills and Ryan Companies US, Inc., took the initial steps to realize a project estimated to be worth around $1 billion on Wednesday.
The debut structure of this ambitious development is the new headquarters for Micro Control Company, an electronics manufacturer that is now anchoring the transformation of the locale. The larger vision for the site, which was once the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant and purchased by Ramsey County in 2013, is to fully revitalize the area into becoming an economic powerhouse it once used to be. The county's aspiration is to thoroughly clean up and redevelop the property, as per the officials' announcement highlighted by Ramsey County's news release.
This inaugural phase represents not just a mere construction project but a symbolic laying of groundwork for what is envisioned to be a nation-leading example of environmental stewardship and community inclusivity. The innovation and scope of Rice Creek Commons are supposed to set new benchmarks for how redevelopment projects can simultaneously support economic growth and sustainability.
It seems the first concrete steps have been taken to transform the large tract of land into a bustling and progressive hub. With Micro Control Company as its flagship occupant, the county is looking to quickly move aggressively ahead with subsequent phases. The hope is that this site will soon mirror the economic dynamism it knew during its munitions-making days, but this time with a sustainable twist. The collaborative effort behind Rice Creek Commons strives to echo a shared commitment to development that benefits the community at large, as portrayed by the county's announcement.
