By Rich Larson
Even in persistent mist, the enthusiasm could not be dampened during Dundas Oktoberfest last month, with crowds filling both the main tent and an overflow tent. The celebration’s continued success reflects momentum in the community, where new housing, commercial development and regional partnerships are helping to shape a very bright future.
Dundas City Administrator Janelle Teppen said the weather discouraged car show participation, but festivalgoers still turned out for the Bavarian Music Meisters and other festivities during Oktoberfest. Organizers are already looking ahead to a fifth annual celebration next year.
Meanwhile, Rebound Partners is planning a four-story, 107-unit apartment building on the north side of Railway Street. The redevelopment would remove the old cooperative building and include 1,500 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor.
Teppen said the Planning Commission recommended approval following a public hearing, and the City Council expressed enthusiastic support. Some residents raised concerns about the building’s height, but the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources approved exceeding the applicable height limit.
The project still needs final plat and planned unit development approval, a development agreement and a finalized tax increment financing agreement. Teppen said the financing would address site remediation rather than require affordable apartments. Cleanup needs also make a construction start date uncertain.
Commercial growth is already visible near Highway 3 and County Road 1. Grading is underway at Dundas Commons, where crews are beginning utility installation. Chipotle has been working with the city and is preparing to seek a building permit once site approvals are complete.
A Les Schwab Tire Center is also being developed across from Tractor Supply, adding another business to the expanding commercial corridor.
Residential growth extends beyond the proposed apartments. Two new housing developments in Dundas together represent more than 100 new homes, adding to the community’s expanding housing supply.
Dundas also helped make construction of the new Hasse–Ryt Way ice arena possible. Teppen said seeing the Dundas logo on the ice brought an emotional sense of pride in the city’s contribution and the council’s work.
Together, the projects point toward more residents, more downtown activity and additional businesses serving Dundas and the surrounding area in the years ahead.
Rich Larson is the owner and General Manager of KYMN Radio. Contact him at rich@kymnradio.net
