In a bid to enhance the commercial landscape at the city's entrance, the Rice County Board of Commissioners has cleared the way for new business developments and public parking by transferring several parcels of land to the local authorities. The official movement of these parcels, nestled along the south side of Fourth Street NW/Hwy. 60 between First and Second avenues, was greenlit on Tuesday; this strategic area is now in the hands of the city of Faribault and the Rice County Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA), according to a news release from Rice County.
The tracts of land at the meeting point of Second Avenue NW will see the rise of an office building, while the eastern end is set to transform into a mix of business premises and a public car park the HRA had purchased these properties from Rice County for a sum of $246,900 with redevelopment in mind, the process was in keeping with Faribault's broader redevelopment plans which had already included rezonings to accommodate the city's Central Business District growth.
Prominent fixtures of the community, such as Rice County's historic jail and its Law Enforcement Center, home to community corrections and probation offices, and the forthcoming Rice-Steele 911 Center, along with the serene green space on First Avenue, are to remain untouched amidst these changes. This decision falls in line with the county's and city's collaborative efforts to invigorate the downtown area, a plan that Faribault's city council has long championed through multiple legislative actions.
Backing the specific rezoning action carried out on Aug. 26, Faribault Planning Manager Harry Davis expressed his support, "Retaining the (existing) Rice County uses and adding commercial land will strengthen this area of downtown and reconnect it with nearby properties" this move has garnered commendation from various officials, including Rice County Administrator Sara Folsted who highlighted the impact of such developments on local business growth and overall community well-being, stating, "Redevelopment of these parcels will not only support business retention and growth in Faribault, it supports the community’s vision for thriving economic development and a vibrant downtown where people can work, dine and shop locally."
