Wrecking Ball Will Swing For Vacant Credit Union Building in Cedar Grove Area

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The scouring of the old Cedar Grove commercial district continues.

On Tuesday, the Eagan Economic Development Authority unanimously authorized the demolition of the former credit union building at 3880 Sibley Memorial Highway in Eagan.

The building—one of the last vacant structures in the area—will be torn down to make way for a Jensen's Supper Club parking lot expansion and a street realignment of Rahn Road.

City officials originally planned to demolish all of the buildings in the Cedar Grove Redevelopment District, but the recession forced the EDA to reconsider its approach to development in the area, according to Eagan Community Development Director Jon Hohenstein. The EDA, which owns the credit union property, preserved the building in hopes that a tenant could be found.

In 2010, however, the building was damaged when the fire sprinkler system froze and burst. Recently, thieves also broke into the building and stole copper piping.

Rather than refitting the building, Eagan EDA members agreed to tear the structure down. It's removal will allow the EDA to sell a portion of the property to Jensen's Supper Club for the parking lot expansion. Another part of the site will be occupied by the Rahn Road realignment. The road realignment is one of several infrastructure projects the city is making to prepare for the development of a major outlet mall in the area.

The demolition is expected to cost $55,000. Bidding and management of demolition projects in the area is coordinated by the Dakota County Community Development Agency.