Lakewinds Food Co-op, other retail seen for Eden Prairie intersection

Even as many Eden Prairie retailers struggle to survive a trying year, several new construction projects are being planned for 2021 or beyond.

That includes plans for retail – and possibly a Lakewinds Food Co-op – southwest of the intersection of Flying Cloud Drive and Prairie Center Drive near Eden Prairie Center, in the shadow of the multi-story Flagstone senior-living complex being built by Presbyterian Homes.

The Flying Cloud Commons retail project has been billed as including a Lakewinds grocery store, a Chick-Fil-A restaurant, and a Bank of America branch. City approval of plans is nearly complete, with only a signed agreement with the developer and final city council approval remaining, according to City Planner Julie Klima.

City officials say the Lakewinds Food Co-op, if built, would be a welcome addition to that site, because it would be a food source within walking of older residents living at Flagstone, as well as other nearby multi-family residences. Lakewinds was contacted but did not offer comment on the development plan. The food co-op also has stores in Chanhassen, Minnetonka, and Richfield.

The Flying Cloud Commons project by Oppidan Investment Co. calls for a 25,000-square-foot grocery store, a 5,000-square-foot Chick-Fil-A, and a 3,900-square-foot Bank of America on the site, which is big enough to hold additional, future projects.

Technically, Flying Cloud Commons and Flagstone are redevelopment projects, as the overall site formerly held the Castle Ridge Apartments.