On March 12, 2026, there was a Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority
meeting.
Under business:
Authorization of Signature: First Amendment to Lease Agreement between HEDRA and Hastings Holding Company, dba Spiral Pizza.
Community Economic Direct John Hinzman offered a summary of the request to extend the lease agreement between HEDRA and Spiral Pizza for two more years. The signature was approved.
Authorize Signature: Phase II ESA, Block 28 Gateway, with GZA Environmental.
Alex Menke, economic development coordinator, presented the request for signature, which was approved. GZA GeoEnvironmental will do soil vapor sampling for Block 28—this is scheduled for March 24.
HEDRA approved a resolution for a facade improvement grant for 218 2nd Street East. The property at 218 2nd Street East is the downtown Edward Jones business. Menke presented the full scope of the project that consists of exterior brick replacement and repair. The project costs $51,650. Menke pointed out that the grant award is based on 1/3 of the project cost or $5,000, whichever amount is lower.
HEDRA also approved a resolution for a facade improvement grant for 1800 Vermillion St.
Menke provided the scope of the project, which would be a replacement of a flat roof and exchange of cedar shake awnings for metal awnings. The only eligible portion of this project for the Facade Improvement Grant is the awnings, since this is what is visible to the public. The estimated cost of this project is $7000.
An item added to the agenda is a resolution designating a building structurally substandard prior to demolition, the Hastings Creamery, located at 1701 Vermillion Street.
Hinzman presented the request. LHB Architect was hired to determine that the creamery was substandard prior to demolition, which was determined to be the case for the creamery. This action was required in accordance with Minnesota State Statute in order for the area to be eligible as a redevelopment TIF district.
Hinzman explained this doesn’t mean that the City is going to establish a TIF district but preserves the ability to consider it in the future. After demolition of the Hastings Creamery, the City has a four-year window to establish a TIF district at the location.
HEDRA approved the resolution.
In reports and information, Menke provided a report about Gaughan Companies Industrial Park Marketing. Gaughan is finalizing the conceptual business park renderings and will be providing two brochures for the site. One brochure will be a general sale version, and the second brochure will focus on cannabis cultivation and manufacturing. In the Industrial Park, there will be an indoor cultivation facility for cannabis. During the meeting, this report sparked discussion about indoor cultivation, cannabis odor issues, and a cannabis regulations review.
In a development update, Hinzman presented about Pleasant Valley Farms. This 160-acre development will be north of the high school. The builder Traditions Homes is proposing 375 housing units of townhomes and single-family units, though the majority of development will consist of single-family housing. Pleasant Valley Farms will undergo an environmental review due to the size of the housing units and take action for an annexation application and environmental assessment worksheet to determine environmental and traffic impact.
The meeting agenda and recording can be found on the City of Hastings website.
The next HEDRA meeting will be April 9, 2026.