City Council has approved a development agreement with South Front Networks LLC of Mankato, MN to construct two new data centers in the 1400 block of Commercial Street. The City acquired four declining single-family homes to facilitate the project. EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant funds alleviated potential contamination concerns associated with nearby auto-oriented operations. The investment will have an estimated assessed value of $200,000 upon completion.
The older, mixed-use neighborhood’s close proximity to U.S. Highway 218 has helped establish it as a growing “infill industrial park.” A recent construction boom within the area has resulted in 12 individual projects totaling $1.9 million in new taxable valuation over the past decade. Seven of the referenced projects initiated with the City taking title to declining properties, eliminating any environmental issues, and partnering with a private developer.
1430 Commercial Street 
1426 Commercial Street 
1422 Commercial Street 
1420 Commercial Street 
After demolition 
After demolition 
Construction of new data center
New data center
