One in a series of random photos shot July 2017 of the "Heart of the City" area of Burnsville.
The 54-acre Heart of the City is a smart-growth based, mixed-use, pedestrian friendly downtown area for Burnsville. Featuring a host of retail shops, business and office space, a community arts center, community park and diverse housing opportunities, the Heart of the City is the place to Live, Work, Shop and Play.
Past
The Heart of the City project grew from the Partnerships for Tomorrow community visioning project and community feedback that identified the creation of a central meeting area as a community goal. The Heart of the City grew from a simple streetscape project in 1995 to a full-fledged redevelopment effort. In 1999, the Burnsville City Council adopted a framework design manual and zoning ordinance which outlines design standards and other requirements to assure that future development is consistent with the community’s vision.
Future
The Heart of the City is focused on bringing arts and cultural opportunities to the area and building tax base to benefit the entire community. Along with cultural development, the Heart of the City is aiming at economic development. At full development, the Heart of the City area will generate approximately $2-$3 million in property taxes annually compared to the $200,000 it did before redevelopment.
