Viking Lakes: One Of Eagan's MVPs

It’s been nearly a decade since the Minnesota Vikings selected Eagan’s former Northwest Airlines site for its new headquarters plus a 200-acre, mixed-use development. The goal? To build “an international destination that creates a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable environment for its residents, partners, and community.” 

Ten years on, by all accounts, they’ve scored a touchdown. And yet. “It’s more than the Vikings. It’s more than football,” says Kyle Chank, vice president of operations for MV Ventures and general manager of Viking Lakes. 

Chank points out that while the team trains here, they only use the TCO Stadium one night a year. That means that the other 364 days Viking Lakes is drawing visitors — upwards of 350,000 this year — for numerous events, among them: Minnesota Aurora’s soccer games; the ever-popular Winter SKOLstice event; and the Big Backyard Concert Series. 

Plus, a free event happens nearly every day at Viking Lakes. “Our goal is always to have something free for families,” he says. This summer, for example, visitors can take in concerts, outdoor movie nights, fitness classes, and kids’ events — all free and all of them community driven and designed to complement City of Eagan programs, says Chank, who is also a former chair and current board member of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

For example, while Eagan’s July 4th Funfest features events July 2–4, Viking Lakes is hosting a free concert day on July 5. 

All of this programming is a big draw for businesses as well. Thomson Reuters has relocated nearby and Ecolab plans to expand next door, both pulled in part by Viking Lakes’ numerous features. Plus, in May, CliftonLarsonAllen, one of the nation’s largest accounting and professional services firms, opened in Viking Lakes its first-ever “connection center,” which hosts weekly training events for up to 250 employees. 

Participants take advantage of the various events happening around the Viking Lakes campus and stay at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel & Conference Center, ranked No. 1 by guests among all 50+ Omni hotels — an impressive feat considering the hotel opened during the pandemic. “This is such an incredible location,” says Cathy Clarke, CLA’s chief culture officer, “with tremendous amenities and so many activities in this area.” 

In July, Viking Lakes will welcome its first freestanding restaurant, Lago Tacos, a likely hotspot for happy hours and get-togethers after work. Chank predicts it’ll be just the first of several restaurants to open here in the next year or two, adding yet another enhancement that draws visitors — likely to reach 500,000 during 2026, he says. 

“We were thrilled when the Minnesota Vikings chose Eagan as its new home,” Mayor Mike Maguire says. “But Viking Lakes is much more than a home for a football team. It’s become an integral part of Eagan and our community.” 

Chank would agree. Serving Viking Lakes since its start, he says, “What I’m most proud of is that we’ve built relationships in the community. This is an asset that people can be proud of. It’s part of the larger community and an asset for everybody.”

Briefly: Acme Tools, Brianno's Deli Italia, And More

City Administrator To Stay In Eagan

After announcing plans in May to step down, Eagan’s city administrator, Dianne Miller, has made the heartfelt decision to continue serving the community she’s called home for 24 years.

“After a lot of thought and reflection, I realized how much I value being part of a team that is directly serving a community,” Miller says. “Eagan is my place. And I love it too much to say goodbye.”

City Council formally accepted the withdrawal of Miller’s resignation on June 10, affirming their support for her continued leadership. 

Says Mayor Mike Maguire: “Her leadership, vision, and deep sense of responsibility are exactly what make Eagan a remarkable place to live, work, and play.”

Business

Grand Forks-based Acme Tools (1271 Yankee Doodle Rd.) has opened in Town Center, selling power tools, outdoor power equipment, and related products. 

Established in 1993, Brianno’s Deli Italia was named one of the nation’s best delis in June by national food reviewer Wilder Shaw. 

Seven long-term care communities of Eagan-based Monarch Healthcare Management have received 2025 Bronze – Commitment to Quality awards by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. 

Office Max in the Promenade shopping center has announced that it plans to close. 

TC Gemini, Minnesota’s pro women’s rugby team, played its second season at TCO Stadium, which hosts the championship game on June 29. This will be the largest non-international rugby match in the U.S. and feature players from the U.S. team, many of whom will play in the Rugby World Cup in England later this summer. TC Gemini is part of the Women’s Elite Rugby league whose other teams hail from Boston, northern California, Chicago, Denver, and New York.

Government

The new Eagan Art House (3981 Lexington Ave. S) officially opened to the public on June 16. Previously housed in a decades-old rambler in Patrick Eagan Park, the new 10,000-square-foot facility features a lobby, a gallery, two pottery studios, two classrooms, and more. Designed with sustainability goals, the facility features rooftop solar panels, a geothermal heating and cooling system, and built-in “daylighting strategies to further reduce electric lighting loads,” according to the JLG Architects website. The new building is open daily, from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Not Growing Like A Weed

It’s been nearly two years since Minnesota legalized the possession and consumption of cannabis for adults, age 21 and older. Yet Eagan has just one — RISE Medical Cannabis Dispensary (1340 Town Center Dr.) — of two medical dispensaries in Dakota County. The other is located in Burnsville. Why?

In short, opening a high-potency cannabis retail business is an intense, involved process. 

“Eagan isn’t likely to see any new dispensaries open this year,” says Mike Schultz, city planner. After all, he explains, the work of the new Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is just getting underway; they’re overseeing applications, issuing licenses, and establishing cannabis business rules. 

In April, an administrative law judge had to approve OCM’s official rules before it could begin issuing licenses. Then OCM completed its review of all applications, including criminal background checks, business plans, and compliance of adopted rules. 

In late May, OCM began issuing preapprovals to applicants for uncapped license types (microbusiness, wholesaler, transporter, testing facility, delivery service, and medical cannabis combination business) and completed its first lottery for capped license types (cultivator, mezzobusiness, manufacturer, and retailer) on June 5. Applicants now have 18 months to complete the licensing process with the OCM. 

Despite interest in establishing a cannabis business, securing a site location and financing is the next challenge, Schultz says — after all, cannabis is still illegal federally.

Finding a location can be difficult as some commercial landlords may have mortgages and don’t want to run afoul of lenders, he explains. The same goes for contractors and lenders — investing time and money in other types of small businesses might feel less risky than a cannabis dispensary.

Cannabis businesses also must meet specified OCM requirements that involve a higher level of scrutiny than many general retailers, including proper security involving cameras, safes, and locks. License holders must obtain building permits and complete inspections by both local and OCM inspectors. And retailers must secure one of eight retail registrations that Eagan will allocate. All of this takes time, Schultz says.

What about low-potency hemp retailers selling products containing THC, CBD, or both? Beginning in July 2022, the state permitted the sale of low-dose cannabinoid products. However, the approximately 50 existing Eagan businesses (including retailers, liquor stores, and some bars) must now seek new state-issued licenses for hemp-derived cannabinoid products. Plus, OCM began accepting applications for new lower-potency retailers on June 2; all applications are due Aug. 31. Eventually, all of these retailers must register with the City of Eagan.

Questions? Direct queries related to the application process to the MN Office of Cannabis Management (mn.gov/ocm). Direct questions related to zoning or registration to the Eagan Planning Department (cityofeagan.com/planning) or Eagan City Clerk (cityofeagan.com/city-clerk).

Crane Spotting

Development projects are happening all over Eagan this summer as evidenced by the number of cranes popping up. While not every project features a crane, here’s a rundown of most current projects:

Former Thomson Reuters buildings are being demolished this summer in order to make site improvements for a new Amazon facility and additional development. 

Grading and site improvements are underway at Trails End, a new 104-unit townhome development by Lennar southeast of the Yankee Doodle Road and Elrene Road intersection. 

Construction of a new 61,554-square-foot, single-story 5MW data center (3621 Argenta Trl.) is underway. Developer Oppidan suggests the data center will be fully occupied and operational by December 2026. 

Construction of 21st Century Bank (3390 Heritage Ln.) is underway; the 3,430-square-foot edifice is being built on a one-acre site. 

A few homes on the Mount Calvary Lutheran Church campus have been demolished in order to clear space for Veterans Village. The new facility will feature 22 townhome units for veterans. 

Omni Viking Lakes Hotel & Conference Center is constructing a new outdoor pool/spa/amenity area. 

Demolition of the former Delta building (1500 Towerview Rd.) will occur later this summer or fall as part of the Northwest Central Commons Small Area Plan. 

The renovation and expansion of Eagan Community Center continues. 

Solventum, a 3M healthcare spinoff, continues to expand and remodel the former Blue Cross Blue Shield call center (1750 Yankee Doodle Rd.). 

Hunt Electric (1000 Blue Gentian Rd.) continues to remodel its 158,000-square-foot office and warehouse.