Edina's plans to improve parking in the 50th & France district got a boost with its purchase of the Hooten Cleaners property at 3944 W. 49½ St.

The city's Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) voted Sept. 2 to buy the vacant property for $1.55 million and agreed to cover what are expected to be modest cleanup costs.

The city originally offered to buy the property in October last year from owners Soon and Jenny Park. When a deal couldn't be struck, Edina moved to take the property through eminent domain, then backed away from that plan.

The Parks approached the city recently and asked whether the October offer still stood. It did, and a deal was struck quickly.

Edina wants to expand an adjacent parking ramp and add more retail on 49½ Street, which HRA members described as a drab backwater in the bustling 50th & France area. Plans for the property could include ground-floor retail with parking above.

HRA Commissioner Ann Swenson said similar retail districts like Excelsior & Grand and the West End in St. Louis Park are continuing to invest in their properties, and it's important for Edina to keep up.

In addition, ownership of the Hooten Cleaners parcel will give the city more say in development decisions in the area, said Edina Council Member and HRA Commissioner Josh Sprague.

John Reinan • 612-673-7402