Progress You Can See Development Activity Across Blaine
If you have driven through Blaine recently, you have likely noticed cranes in the air, fresh grading, and new buildings taking shape. Across the City, development activity is visible at every stage, highlighting continued investment and momentum in the community.
At 125th Avenue and Lexington Avenue, work is just getting started. Crews are currently focused on grading and site preparation, marking the first step in transforming this high-visibility corner into a new commercial development. Further south at 109th Avenue and Lexington Avenue, progress is much more vertical. A new credit union building is actively under construction, with the structure now taking shape along one of Blaine’s busiest corridors.
On Pheasant Ridge Drive, the CSM project is nearing completion, representing the final stages of the development process. This site is expected to be operational soon, bringing new manufacturers and employment opportunities to the area.
Additional investment is underway along Aberdeen Street, where a new bank building is in progress and continuing to advance toward completion.
Beyond these individual projects, work continues within the 105th Avenue Redevelopment District, an area that remains a key focus for reinvestment and long-term growth in Blaine.
And looking ahead, one of the most anticipated openings is just around the corner. Asia Village at Northtown Mall is scheduled to open in May, bringing new retail and dining options and creating a destination expected to draw visitors from across the region.
From early groundwork to grand openings, these projects reflect the kind of steady, visible progress that continues to shape Blaine’s future.
Celebrate Local Entrepreneurs
31 Days of Small Business
May is almost here, and it is time for Blaine’s annual 31 Days of Small Business! Each year, we feature small businesses from across the City on our social media pages throughout the month of May. To
Community Development
10801 Town Square Drive NE Blaine MN 55449 763-784-6700
Sheila Sellman Community Development Director 763-785-6198
SSellman@BlaineMN.gov
Ruth Tucker Economic Development Specialist 763-717-2778 RTucker@BlaineMN.gov
Erik Thorvig City Manager 763-785-6120 EThorvig@BlaineMN.gov
New Businesses Open
and More on the Way in Blaine
Blaine’s business community continues to grow, with several new businesses opening their doors and more preparing to join the community in the coming months. These additions bring new dining options, services, and experiences for residents while continuing to strengthen our local economy.
Now Open
Recent openings in Blaine include a mix of unique concepts and expanding brands:
• School of Rock – Offering music lessons and performance-based programs for students of all ages.
• The August Room – A new salon and boutique offering beauty services alongside curated retail items.
• Protein House – Serving nutritious, protein-focused meals for those seeking healthy dining options.
• Hibachi Grill and Sushi – Bringing a variety of hibachi-style dishes and sushi to the area.
Coming Soon
Several additional businesses are expected to open in the near future, adding even more variety to Blaine’s business landscape:
• Sakura Sushi
• Banfield Pet Hospital
• Chocolate Chime
• Stella’s 97
Communications BlaineMN.gov/CivicReady
• CAVA
• nVent
• Egg Flip
From new dining experiences to expanded services and job opportunities, these businesses reflect the continued momentum and investment happening throughout the City. Be sure to keep an eye out for grand openings and ribbon cuttings as these new additions come online.
Celebrating Blaine’s Small Businesses
Making Life Better in Our Community
May is Small Business Month, a time to recognize the essential role that local businesses play in our community. In Blaine, small businesses are not just places to shop or eat; they provide jobs, services, and opportunities that make the City a better place to live, work, and grow.
Creating Jobs and Supporting the Economy
Local businesses are a key driver of employment in Blaine. From restaurants and retail shops to fitness studios and service providers, these businesses hire residents, train employees, and contribute to the City’s economic health. Every new hire and every locally sourced product helps keep dollars in the community, supporting other businesses and neighbors.
Providing Services and Amenities Residents Rely On
Small businesses bring convenience, choice, and unique offerings to Blaine. They provide services we use every day, from hair salons and gyms to pet care and specialty shops, as well as dining options that bring friends and families together. Many of these businesses fill needs that larger chains can’t, giving residents personalized service and a local touch.
Engaging with the Community
Beyond the products and services they provide, Blaine’s small businesses are often active in the community. Many support local schools, sponsor events, or participate in community programs. This engagement strengthens connections, brings people together, and enhances the quality of life for all residents.
Celebrate Small Businesses This May
Small Business Month is the perfect opportunity to explore what Blaine has to offer. Visit a new shop, try a local restaurant you’ve been meaning to check out, or thank a business owner for their contribution to the community. Every visit helps sustain the businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and vibrant. By supporting them, residents help ensure that Blaine remains a thriving City where local entrepreneurs and families can succeed side by side.
Temporary Sign Guidelines
The City of Blaine wants to remind local businesses and organizations about our updated temporary sign ordinance. The City offers two types of temporary sign permits, Special Event Temporary Sign permits and Temporary Sign permits. Each with its own guidelines for sign type, number, and size. You can review the full details to see what works best for your needs at BlaineMN.gov/Signs
As a helpful tip, each parcel may display either one feather flag or one banner (up to 32 square feet) without a permit. Just remember:
• Banners should be securely affixed to the building wall.
• Freestanding signs must be placed at least 10 feet from property lines.
• Signs should be removed if torn or faded.
For questions about temporary or permanent signage, Assistant Planner Alex Koberoski, is happy to help. She can be reached at akoberoski@blainemn.gov or 763-717-2748
Thank you for helping keep our community well-maintained and orderly.
Blaine Businesses Get Recognized Awards
Ceremony
Blaine businesses took center stage recently at the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards, bringing home top honors and earning recognition across multiple categories. The strong showing highlights the depth, diversity, and quality of Blaine’s local business community.
Leading the way, El Norte Mexican Grill was named a winner in the Restaurant and Beverage category, recognized for delivering a standout dining experience and being a local favorite. In the Shopping & Specialty Shopping category, Addie Lane Floral & Gifts earned top honors, showcasing the creativity and personalized service that make it a staple in the community.
Blaine’s presence extended well beyond the winner’s circle, with several businesses also recognized as finalists:
• Complete Performance in Sports and Recreation
• Village Bank in Business & Professional Services
• Lisa Diers Therapeutic Nutrition & Yoga in Personal Care & Service
• Commers, The Water Store in Family-Owned Business
Being named a finalist in such a competitive field is an achievement in itself and speaks to the high caliber of businesses operating in Blaine.
In addition to these recent honors, Village Bank was also recognized as the 2025 SBA 504 Lending Partner of the Year by the Central Minnesota Development Company. This award highlights the bank’s ongoing commitment to supporting small businesses and investing in the long-term success of the local economy. Together, these recognitions reflect a business community that continues to excel—delivering exceptional products, services, and experiences while contributing to the vibrancy of Blaine. Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees for representing the city so well.
Good Things Take Time
When a new business or development is announced in Blaine, it can be easy to wonder: “Why is it taking so long?” For example, when Scheels announced in 2025 that will be open in 2028, some residents questioned why the project would take three years to complete. The truth is, building a new store or development is not instantaneous. It is a careful, multi-step process that ensures safety, quality, and success for both businesses and the community.
1. Planning and Decision-Making
Before construction even begins, businesses and developers spend months or even years planning. This includes choosing the right location, analyzing market needs, creating designs, and determining what kind of building will work best. These decisions are critical: rushing the process can lead to costly mistakes or a project that doesn’t meet community needs.
2. Permits and Approvals
Once plans are drafted, the project enters the City’s permitting and approval process. City staff review site plans, building designs, and other documents to ensure compliance with zoning regulations, safety codes, traffic considerations, and environmental standards. Some projects also involve public hearings so residents can provide feedback.
3. Construction and Site Preparation
After approvals, construction begins. This includes earthwork, foundations, structural work, utilities, and interior build-outs. Even when progress is visible from the street, much of the work is behind the scenes including grading, inspections, and preparing the site for safe and functional use.
4.
Stocking, Hiring, and Opening
Even once the building is complete, a business isn’t ready to open immediately. Stores must be stocked, employees hired and trained, and operational systems put in place. For larger projects like Scheels, this stage alone can take months.
Why It Matters
Development and business openings are long-term efforts. Every step, from planning and permitting to construction and staffing, takes time to ensure the finished project benefits residents, meets safety standards, and positions the business for success. While waiting can be frustrating, understanding the process helps residents see the careful work behind every new development in Blaine.
Blaine Business Council
Do you want to connect with other Blaine businesses and hear about updates in the community? The Blaine Business Council is open to all Blaine businesses and is held quarterly at the TPC Twin Cities in Blaine. The meetings start at 7:30AM. No RSVP is necessary, and we hope you can attend.
2026 Blaine Business Council Dates April 23 | July 9 | October 22 For more information, visit the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce at MetroNorthChamber.org
Explore Our Interactive Development Map
Stay in the know about all the exciting developments in Blaine! The interactive development map allows residents to easily access up-to-date information about ongoing projects throughout the City. Whether you are curious about new businesses, buildings, or residential developments, this tool provides detailed insights on each project, including location, status, and expected timelines. Simply visit BlaineMN.gov/DevelopmentMap to explore the map and click on specific projects for more details. It’s a great way to stay informed, get involved, and see how Blaine is growing and evolving.
Check it out today and keep up with the progress happening in your community.
Featured Development
New Commercial Hub Taking Shape at 125th Avenue and Lexington Avenue
A major new commercial project is underway at the intersection of 125th Avenue NE and Lexington Avenue NE, where HJ Development is spearheading a multi-tenant retail center anchored by a new Jerry’s Foods grocery store.
The development will include a full-service Jerry’s Foods, bringing expanded grocery options to Blaine residents and serving as a major draw for the area. Known for its highquality products and strong community presence, Jerry’s will anchor the site and drive additional traffic to the surrounding businesses.
In addition to the grocery store, plans include a multi-tenant retail strip center designed to accommodate a mix of neighborhoodserving businesses such as restaurants, service providers, and specialty retailers. This type of development not only adds convenience for nearby residents, but also creates new opportunities for small and growing businesses to establish themselves in Blaine.
To support the increased activity, infrastructure improvements are planned in conjunction with the development. These include new internal roadways within the site, as well as improved access points from both 125th Avenue and Lexington Avenue to enhance traffic flow and safety. The project is also expected to include turn lane improvements and better connectivity to adjacent road networks, helping the area function more efficiently as it continues to grow.
This project represents a significant investment in Blaine’s northern corridor, an area that continues to see strong residential growth and increasing demand for commercial amenities. By bringing in a well-known grocer and creating space for additional retail, the development will serve as both a convenience hub for residents and a catalyst for continued economic activity.
As construction progresses, the HJ Development project at 125th and Lexington is poised to become a key destination for shopping and services in Blaine, further reinforcing the City’s reputation as a great place to live, work, and do business.
Celebrating Economic Development Week
Meet Blaine’s Economic Development Team
May 4 to 8 marks Economic Development Week, a time to recognize the work of local economic development teams that foster growth, opportunity, and prosperity in communities. In Blaine, our Economic Development Team, Ruth Tucker, economic development specialist, and Sheila Sellman, community development director, work together to support businesses and attract investment. The team also prioritizes residents’ needs.
Helping Businesses Grow
The team works closely with local businesses to provide guidance, connect them with resources, and help them access programs that support growth. From grant and loan programs to technical assistance and strategic connections, the team works to ensure that Blaine remains a welcoming, vibrant community for businesses of all sizes.
Attracting New Opportunities
Economic development isn’t just about supporting existing businesses, it is also about bringing new opportunities to Blaine. The team collaborates with brokers, developers, and prospective business owners to showcase the City as a strong location for commerce. These efforts bring new services, dining, retail, and jobs to the community.
Building Partnerships
Partnerships are critical to the team’s success. By working with the county, state agencies, utility providers, the Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations, the team is able to expand resources, streamline processes, and create opportunities for local businesses to thrive.
Strengthening the Community
Every new business, expansion, or investment in Blaine contributes to the City’s vitality. During Economic Development Week, the team celebrates the work that happens every day to help businesses succeed, strengthen the local economy, and enhance the quality of life for residents. Together, Ruth, Sheila, and the Economic
thriving community where businesses and
Navigating Road Construction
Keeping Customers Connected to Your Business
Road construction is a sign of growth and investment in the community, but it can also present challenges for local businesses. Reduced visibility, changing traffic patterns, and limited access can all impact day-to-day operations. The good news is there are simple, effective ways for businesses and customers to stay connected during construction season.
Follow Business Communication
Check business websites, social media pages, and sign up for email lists to stay informed. Watch for alternate routes and updated hours. Businesses may take extra steps to reassure customers that they are open for business.
Loyal Customer Connection
Regulars want to support their favorite spots. Many times businesses make it easy for them. Watch for promotions, loyalty perks, or simple reminders that continued support makes a difference during this time.
Support Neighboring Businesses
If nearby businesses are experiencing similar impacts, watch for crosspromotions or joint messaging to draw attention to the area as a whole.
Businesses Can Contact the City City staff are available to assist. If construction is affecting access to your business, reach out to discuss signage options, communication strategies, or available resources.
While construction can be disruptive, it is also temporary, and the end result is often improved infrastructure that benefits businesses long-term. With a little planning and proactive communication, we can continue to support our business community through construction.
Get the inside scoop on the latest business openings and development buzz!
Blaine BizConnect Online is a regular newsletter, packed with fresh updates on the growth in the City of Blaine. Whether it is commercial development, industrial expansions, or new residential communities, Blaine is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Twin Cities metro, and there is always something exciting on the horizon. Delivered straight to your inbox, this is your VIP pass to the latest and greatest in local development!
Sign up online at BlaineBiz.com/NotifyMe, choose BlaineBiz Connect
