St. Michael to Get First Housing Development in Years

A sign that the housing and real estate "recovery" is finally making its way to the exurbs popped up in St. Michael City Council proceedings earlier this month. 

The St. Michael City Council approved, unanimously, the new River's Landing development proposed by D.R. Horton builders, a regional homebuilder that has branches nationwide. 

River's Landing would be located to the south of St. Michael Elementary, along St. Michael Parkway, which is the southern arm of the so-called "one-way pair." 

The development would remove the popular "St. Michael sledding hill" along that road, but would add nearly 40 new single-family homes to the community along about a half-mile stretch of that roadway, with building to the south all the way to Rambling Creek. 

If construction started next season, it would put the community on a record pace for building over the last five years. City staff said about 50 single home permits were pulled in 2013, making it the best year since the 2008 real estate and economic collapse. 

"There's a definite need for new development," community development director Marc Weigle of St. Michael, said. "There's only a handful around the city right now, and the market is there for people who want to build." 

It would be the first foray by a developer into St. Michael in years. Hans Hagen homes has almost built out The Preserve, which has long been the busiest development area in the city. The feeling is D.R. Horton's new plans might pave the way for other builders looking to test the St. Michael market. 

"I think they'll do well," said a local Realtor (who asked to remain anonymous). "It's still a great market for people who want to build here. People want to get into the St. Michael school district, and there really isn't a lot of inventory to do that."