Pulte Homes Plans 103 New Homes in Eden Prairie

Pulte Homes is planning to build 103 single family homes on almost 80 acres in Eden Prairie, known as Reeder Ridge.

"This probably one of the last big properties that we will be developing so I think there was a lot of incentive on the part of staff to make sure we do it right," said Mayor Nancy Tyra-Lukens. 

From the support that filled the City Council chambers Tuesday night for the project, that seems to be the case. 

The proposed development is located at 9990 Eden Prairie Road. The land came from five separate property owners and will need a zoning change from rural to residential. 

The project consists of 104 lots with 4 out lots, including road right-of-way.

The out lots will include one owned by the homeowner association, one for possible future right-of-way for re-alignment of Eden Prairie Road, one to protect the bluff and burial mounds and one for a conservation easement for wetland buffer. Included on these lots will be a pool, poolhouse and bluff overlook, according Ian Peterson, the vice president of land for Pulte Homes in Minnesota.

The area for the development includes heritage mounds, which the city believes to be Indian burial mounds. "I'm thrilled about the burial mound preservation and tree preservation," said council member Ron Case.

A neighbor of the proposed development, Craig Peterson (not related to Ian), said when they first got notice of the development, he cringed. He would have liked to preserve the area for the bluff with five or 10 acre lots.

"But as time whent on, we could see that wasn't going to happen," he said. He adressed the council on Tuesday saying thank you to both city planners and Pulte Homes for listening to the neighborhood input and going above the call of duty to work with them.

"I guess I would still want the 5-10 acre lots, but if that is not going to happen and Ian Peterson is a true representation of Pulte Homes, then Eden Prairie should be proud to have them as a builder in our community," he praised.  

Ian Peterson, whose home and office are located in Eden Prairie, called the city one of "the best places to live and work in the country."

The proposal passed 5-2 in front of the planning commission with several conditions prior to coming before the council, said Rick Getschow, Eden Prairie city manager. 

"It seems with the modifications, it meets the approval of the neighbors," Getschow said. Ian Peterson said Pulte Homes also agreed with the recommendations made by the city.

"This is a magical place," said council member Sherry Butcher Wickstrom. "I love that we're keeping this tradition continuing forward by putting something very special on that land. I'm very pleased at how this has turned out."

The city council approved the project going forward unanimously. 

Do you think this development is good for Eden Prairie? Why or why not? Tell us below in the comments.

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