Downtown Revitalization
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Small Cities Development Grant
Watertown was one of 31 recipients of a Small Cities Development grant through the Minnesota Department of Employment
and Economic Development (DEED) in April 2004. Eighty-five cities and counties submitted proposals for grants. The City of Watertown was
awarded $553,400 in grant money to rehabilitate downtown businesses.
The grant money to Watertown is intended for rehabilitation of commercial, rental housing (residential) and exteriors
of property in the downtown area from near Madison Street to Territorial Street.
In addition to the grant money, funds from the Carver County Community Developent Agency (CCCDA) and Watertown Economic
Development Authority (EDA) brought the total amount to $755,100.
The City worked with the CCCDA to set up criteria for applicants.
Contact was made initially with businesses in the downtown area with several showing interest. The City has until
Sept. 30, 2007 to distribute the grant money to those businesses that applied for the funding. In conjunction with the Small Cities Grant,
the City established Downtown Design Standards to use as guidelines
and plans to improve the appearance and vitality of downtown by attracting more businesses and housing and to capitalize on the
Crow River as an attractive component to downtown.
Watertown's Downtown Redevelopment South Phase I
Located on the banks of the South Fork of the Crow River,
Watertown's Downtown Redevelopment South Phase I will become a mixed-use living, entertainment and civic
destination. The redevelopment project will provide a diverse array of life-cycle housing, working, shopping and entertainment opportunities
for people of all ages and circumstances. The project site is within easy walking distance (one block away) from the medical clinic, pharmacy,
hardware store, bank, restaurants and shopping. Watertown envisions that Watertown's Downtown Redevelopment South would offer a development
setting like no other in the metropolitan area. Watertown visualizes this area to become a continuation of the downtown, a key link to
the Luce Line Trail, a gateway access to the Crow River and a high density (30 units per acre) residential enclave offering a full
spectrum of housing opportunities to a diverse array of residents. The initial phases will include the property acquisition, demolition
and infrastructure improvements necessary to accommodate the development of a 50-60 unit, active living, senior housing rental building.
The project has been initiated and funded by the City's EDA and a Phase I Environmental Assessment and property appraisal has been
completed for the redevelopment project area.
Click any image to see an enlarged version and more information on the project.
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