Type: Senior rental apartments

Units: 161

Developer: Inland Group

Architect: Nystrom + Olson Architecture

Details: A Washington state-based senior housing developer is planning its initial entry into the Minnesota market after purchasing a vacant city-owned parcel within Eagan's Cedar Grove Redevelopment district.

The Eagan Economic Development Authority this month approved the sale of a lot on the westernmost edge of the district to the Inland Group of Spokane, Wash., for $1.7 million. Known as "Outlot A" or the "West Transit Site," the 4-acre parcel is across Eagan Outlets Parkway from the Twin Cities Premium Outlets shopping center.

The EDA agreed to the sale after Inland came forward with plans to build a 161-unit, five-story project geared toward "active seniors" of 55 and older — part of its Affinity line of market-rate senior housing. To be called Affinity of Eagan, the complex would be next to a public parking garage and directly across Nicols Road from the Cedar Grove transit station.

Inland Group development manager Keith James told the EDA his group is entering Minnesota after building 10 independent living projects in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Idaho and Washington. He described them as more affordable than many senior projects, while still featuring many amenities.

James said the Affinity communities stress independence and offer social activities driven by residents. The company has a growth strategy of adding between six and 10 new communities per year.

Don Jacobson is a freelance writer in St. Paul. He can be contacted at hotproperty.startribune@gmail.com.