Condos highlight historic downtown

By LYNN UNDERWOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: October 16, 2008 - 2:13 PM

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HISTORIC RUM RIVER DISTRICT

What: New condos and retail businesses on four blocks adjacent to Anoka's historic downtown.

Features: Landscaped courtyard, party room with deck overlooking the river, hobby and exercise room.

Cost: 55+ condominiums: $159,900 to $304,900 (828 to 1,760 square feet). Urban lofts: $149,900 to $269,900 (919 to 1,298 square feet). The largest units are on upper floors with river views.

Occupancy: First senior building in August.

Developer: Rottlund Homes, Roseville.

Builder: David Bernard Builders, a division of Rottlund.

Information: Models open. www.rumriverdistrict. com; 763-450-3500 (55+ units); 763-421-0891 (lofts).

More from Homes: Buy

Anoka city planners hope to draw more people to their historic downtown with the $20 million Historic Rum River District project.

The city has partnered with Rottlund Homes to build senior condos and lofts along the Rum River. The plan includes two, three and four-story brick condo buildings with 92 units for people 55 and over and two loft buildings with 100 units that will also house first-floor retail space. City planners hope that adding more downtown dwellers will turn the Main Street area into a bustling commercial district.

The first senior condo building broke ground last month and offers another housing option for longtime Anoka residents who wish to sell their single-family homes but stay in the area, said Michael Noonan, division president of Rottlund Homes in Roseville. "It will also free up homes and allow young families to move in," he said.

The city also plans to build Riverfront Park with a fishing pier, trails and a playground to capitalize on the development's proximity to the river.

This northwest suburb of 18,038 will also get another perk -- a Northstar Commuter Rail station that will be a few blocks away from the downtown condo project when it opens next year.

Rottlund Homes has not set a completion date for the project, but it will be built in phases dependent on sales, said Noonan.

"We're excited that given the current market conditions, the city is able to work with Rottlund to keep this project moving," said Tim Cruikshank, city manager.

Lynn Underwood • 612-673-7619