High-end homes planned for two ‘infill’ projects

High-end, single-family homes would be built in two unrelated “infill” development projects that are going through the City of Eden Prairie’s review process.

Both were endorsed by the Eden Prairie Planning Commission on April 8 and are headed to a public hearing before the city council, likely in May.

Why it matters: An “infill” project on a small, remnant parcel in an existing neighborhood or on a property proposed for redevelopment can be controversial. It’s often the last development in a built-up neighborhood where residents have varying expectations and opinions of what should be “next door.”

Lotus Villas on Anderson Lake is a plan by Ron Clark Construction & Design to build 19 homes on five acres at 10700 Prairie Lakes Drive, east of Eden Prairie Center, where a vacant office building constructed in 1982 exists. The parcel lies between the Westin Woods townhomes and The Sanctuary’s single-family homes.

According to documents provided by the developer, Lotus Villas homes would target empty nesters and most likely be priced from just under $1 million to $1.5 million. Most of the homes would be a single story plus basement, according to the developer, and a homeowners association would maintain all but the exterior of the homes.

Since the project is classified by the city as a planned unit development (PUD), it triggers the new sustainability standards the city put into effect on Jan. 1, 2024. As a result, all Lotus Villas homes must have at least one garage space wired for electric vehicle charging and roof trusses able to support solar panels.

Neighbors testifying before the commission said they’re not opposed to the project but want the city to control dust, noise, and street damage that might occur during construction.

Enclave at Manor Road is a plan by Brandl Anderson Homes to build 17 homes on a farmstead located along South Manor Road in northern Eden Prairie, a couple of blocks from Duck Lake. Home prices would start in the low $700,000s, according to the developer. Lots would be smaller than most of those surrounding the property.

Neighbors expressed concern about traffic safety, water drainage, the removal of trees, and the smaller lot sizes.

The new homes in both developments would be priced higher than the 2024 value of a median single-family home in Eden Prairie, which is $536,400.