Listen to this articleThe Blueprint
- Chanhassen paid $13M for a 13-acre community center site
- Facility to feature rinks, fitness center, field house, and more
- Construction begins in 2026 with completion expected in 2028
Chanhassen has closed on the land it needs for a new community center, a deal that comes at a time when the city is working to keep the project as close as possible to its original $80 million budget.
The city paid $13 million for the 13-acre project site, which is within the Avienda development near Powers Boulevard and Highway 212, according to a certificate of real estate value made public Monday.
Level 7 Development LLC of Minnetrista is the seller.
On Sep. 4, the city “finalized the land buy” for the community center, according to city documents. The project team includes BKV Group and RJM Construction.
In July, BKV Group “presented an update that reflected higher costs and adjustments to the previously discussed programming elements,” according to the city. Depending on the design option, estimated costs range from $82.6 million to $83.19 million.
The city council supported Option 1, which has a preliminary cost estimate of $82.6 million.
Option 1 lowers costs by “trimming overall square footage, simplifying roof design (from pitched to flat/membrane), using precast exterior panels instead of metal framing and streamlining mechanical and electrical systems,” according to city documents.
Patrick Gavin, communications manager for the city, said the goal is to “deliver on promised amenities and programming” and get as close as possible to the original $80 million target.
“Cost estimates evolve throughout the design process, as with any large project. From land purchase to site planning, design development and construction, estimates are refined as more details become available,” Gavin said in an email Monday.
“Market conditions, material costs and construction timelines all influence those numbers. The city council has worked deliberately within these realities, directing the project team to make adjustments that keep the facility on budget while still fulfilling what was promised to the community.”
Gavin added that design work is expected to continue through 2025, with construction beginning in May 2026 and wrapping up in 2028. On the current timeline, he said, the council would consider the award of bid package #1 on Jan. 26, 2026.
Laurie Hokkanen, Chanhassen’s city manager, told the city council in May that the site has room for future expansion. At the time, the city council authorized an agreement to purchase the project site.
The community center will house “two hockey rinks, a field house, fitness center, walking track, indoor playground, community rooms, dance studios and space for wellness-focused tenants,” according to the city.
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