Hot Property: Southbridge Crossing Aldi Food Market, Shakopee

Southbridge Crossing Aldi Food Market 7801 Old Carriage Court, Shakopee Type: Retail Size: 17,081 square feet Developer: Aldi Inc. Architect: I+S Group Details: Shakopee's Southbridge Crossing regional shopping center could be getting a new Aldi's grocery store under plans unveiled this week. The quickly-expanding discount international food retailer, which already has 20 locations in the Twin Cities area, revealed it is seeking to locate a new facility west of the intersection of Old Carriage Road and Southbridge Parkway on a 5-acre vacant parcel within the mixed-use development near the Highway 169 Bloomington Ferry Bridge. Under the plans, the lot would be roughly divided in half, with one portion sold to Aldi while the other would be retained by landowner Shakopee Crossing Limited Partnership for future development. Project manager I+S Group of Faribault said the new store could be a shot in the arm for the retail district, which is anchored by a Sam's Club, Wal-Mart and Home Depot and also includes a BlueXpress park-and-ride transit station. "The development of this parcel will ultimately help the adjacent businesses by eliminating a visible vacant property and adding another retail facility to the local tax base," wrote I+S Group Principal Andrew Brandel in seeking a conditional use permit for the new store, adding it could also help attract new takers to the remaining vacant commercial parcels at Southbridge Crossing. Car access into the Aldi would be provided along both Old Carriage Road and Southbridge Parkway. Because the latter entry would traverse the Dean Lake bike trail, pedestrian ramps and crossings will be provided there, according to city documents. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)