Asia Mall with food and more OK’d by city

An Asian-themed mix of grocery, restaurant, retail, and office uses that is expected to be a regional attraction received approvals from the Eden Prairie City Council on Tuesday, Aug. 17.

Now called “Asia Mall,” it would occupy the former Gander Mountain building at 12160 Technology Drive, near Costco.

The concept is similar to the food halls that are springing up across the country: a sprawling market that showcases numerous vendors and shops, most with a food theme.

The local plan would be anchored by nearly 32,000 square feet of grocery space, but would also include full-service restaurants, small-scale retail, a food court, and more – some of it on a greatly expanded mezzanine.

By nearly doubling the size of that second-level mezzanine without increasing the parking lot, the development does bump up against the city’s parking code. So, as part of its approval, the city council is requiring the owner to build a parking structure if problems arise.

But, council members overall said they’re excited by the project.

“I like the looks of it,” said Council Member Kathy Nelson, “and I like that it’s coming to Eden Prairie.”