The former Chaska Building Center is facing a dramatic makeover.

Recently signs touting a proposed retail development appeared in front of the dilapidated building, signaling changes on the horizon.

Monday afternoon, former City Administrator Dave Pokorney, who now heads up Community Asset Development Group, issued a press release detailing landowner John Klingelhutz’s proposal to redevelop the 12-acre site. According to the release, a master plan has now been submitted to the city of Chaska for the project.

“The objective of the proposed redevelopment is to remove and renovate obsolete buildings located on the old Chaska Building Center site and bring new retail anchors to downtown Chaska,” the press release stated. “The concept is to redevelop the site in three phases with ultimate land uses being a mix of retail, office and assembly/warehouse.”

Chaska Building Center closed its doors for good in May 2008 “after suffering from reductions in revenues and sustaining losses resulting from the unprecedented downturn in the real estate and construction markets.” The Klingelhutz family had operated on the site for three decades prior to the closure.

“The first phase of the redevelopment, which is planned to be started in June, will entail removal of what was the hardware store building along with extensive exterior renovation to the remaining two buildings,” the release stated. Lumber storage shed and fencing will also be removed as part of the redevelopment.

The first phase of work should result in the creation of a 10,000-square-feet hardware store to be “owned and operated by the Klingelhutz family” and 9,200 square feet of rentable retail space in addition to a nearly 19,000 square-feet space for assembly/office business.

“The initial phase will also include reopening a smaller millwork and cabinet shop,” the release stated.

“In addition to adding new retail services, we are looking forward to again be a major part of the downtown community and are committed to not only adding a hardware facility but also adding new jobs to the downtown,” stated Klingelhutz, in the release.

Future phases for the eastern portion of the site propose the addition of a 21,000-plus square feet grocery store, a 3,200 square-feet restaurant and 32,400 square feet of retail space.

City Administrator Matt Podhradsky said he was aware of a plan being finalized for submission. He said he understood the developer had users interested for the west side of the site. “They may or may not get to the east side,” he said.

The location has been on the city’s list of potential redevelopments since the building center closed. “There are lots of opportunities for the site,” said Podhradsky.

He noted that the city could carefully review any proposals for redevelopment. “We want to make sure what happens on the site compliments downtown,” he said. “We want to make sure it doesn’t compete or conflict.”

-Mollee Francisco, staff writer