When Victor Gruen designed Southdale Center in 1956 it was the first enclosed regional mall in the US. But his vision was to be more than just a retail site... his original vision was to foster community and create a suburban town center where people would come together.
He would likely be pleased with the evolution currently taking place in the Southdale district. It fulfills some of his initial plans to include a whole development with apartment buildings, houses, schools, a medical center, a park and a lake.
Southdale shopping center has always been surrounded by a huge parking lot. The new luxury apartment building in the southeast corner, One Southdale Place, means that people will now be living in one corner of that immense parking lot... no worries, there is still plenty of parking!
Intended to attract both young renters and empty nesters, residents can just walk across the parking lot to shopping, dining and entertainment at the Southdale Mall or to nearby Galleria. But new development in the area doesn't stop there... it also includes other projects already completed as well as more in progress.
This neighborhood has long been a hub for downsizing seniors... in fact, 7500 York was the first 55+ age restricted senior coop in the United States, built nearly 40 years ago in 1977. Many condos were also built in the 1960's and 1970's, and with medical services, the YMCA and library all nearby in addition to shopping, it truly is a surburban neighborhood that feels more urban than most.
Pushing walkability. Pushing greenspace. Pushing public art.
The re-development of Byerly's continues with this theme, placing the new grocery store along commercial France Avenue and adding apartment buildings in the back near the Promenade near Centennial Lakes.
The new apartment complexes are intended to attract younger renters as well as the older residents already loving this walkable community. Check out for yourself how the Southdale area has continually evolved towards becoming a walkable village unto itself.
With purchase prices starting at $52,999, owning your own condo in this neighborhood can be even more affordable than renting. Of course, you can also own your own penthouse on top of the Westin at the Galleria right across the street from Southdale... only $3,250,000 with hotel concierge services available!
Check out Southdale area homes for sale and see for yourself!
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results - Edina Realtor
The team at HomesMSP - Sharlene, John, Angela
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